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Number 9 The Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2023)
·
4.5(60 parent reviews) ·9 South Park Hill Road, South Croydon, CR2 7DY · Croydon
Number of places
94 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2023
Local authority
Croydon

About this day nursery

Number 9 The Nursery, established in 2015 by Mrs and Dr Wilcock, is dedicated to providing a child-centric environment where each child's unique individuality is recognized and nurtured. Mrs Wilcock, a former Head Teacher, alongside Dr Wilcock, a long-serving GP, founded the nursery with a passion for supporting local families and the wider community.

The nursery focuses on creating a loving, home-like atmosphere for children to explore and develop their imaginations. They offer a diverse range of activities including Sing and Sign, Baby Ballet, Pre-School French, Yoga, and Pro-Stars Sports lessons, supplemented by visits from various animals like ducklings, sheep, and reindeer to enrich the children's experiences.

Number 9 The Nursery is committed to excellent nutrition, being partnered with the Early Years Alliance Nutrition Support Programme, ensuring all meals meet children's dietary needs. Furthermore, the nursery has achieved Millie's Mark accreditation, signifying that all staff are Paediatric First Aid-trained, underscoring their dedication to child safety and well-being.

The long-standing team, with many members having been with the nursery for five years or more, contributes to a stable and supportive setting for the children.

Our ethos

At Number 9 we ensure the children come first, every time.

What it's like

Children are safe and settled in this welcoming environment. The staff have a caring and friendly manner, helping to develop close and trusting bonds with children. Staff have high expectations and provide an ambitious curriculum that engages and motivates children.

Family-run nurseryChild-centric approachSpecialised activities offeredStrong community focusAccredited for paediatric first aid and nutrition

Pricing & funding

Charges are based on a full-day rate. There is a minimum booking requirement of three days per week, which must include a Monday or a Friday, and term-time only places are not available. An additional daily service charge applies for food and activities when using funded hours.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Minimum booking of 3 days per week, which must include either a Monday or a Friday.
  • Term-time only places are not offered.
  • An additional service charge applies per funded day to cover food and activities.

Key facts

Food

All meals meet every child’s nutritional needs through the Early Years Alliance Nutrition Support Programme.

Opening hours

7.30am to 6.00pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2015

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Number 9 The Nursery

Last inspected 25 July 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are safe and settled in this welcoming environment. The staff have a caring and friendly manner, helping to develop close and trusting bonds with children. Staff have high expectations and provide an ambitious curriculum that engages and motivates children.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are safe and settled and develop close bonds with staff.
  • Staff have high expectations and provide an ambitious curriculum.
  • Children develop good language skills and learn to communicate with others.
  • Older children develop strong independence, and younger children learn self-care skills.
  • All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress.

Areas to develop

  • 1review routines around mealtimes for younger children to ensure they are not waiting too long.
Inspection #10301098 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

their children enjoy their time and have made steady progress since starting.

they are kept well informed of their children's day and experiences in various ways.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff understand children's levels of development and individual needs, ensuring purposeful learning experiences. Where appropriate, staff undertake prompt referrals to specialist services and other professionals. As a result, all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Children play happily in the spacious and secured outdoor area. Toddlers and older children busily engage in a range of activities both inside and outside. Children grow vegetables in the garden.

Parent Reviews of Number 9 The Nursery

4.5
(60)
Ben Smith
9 months ago

Number 9 has been a truly wonderful nursery experience for our family. Our son attended for three years and loved every minute — and now our daughter has just “graduated” as she prepares to start school in September. It’s the end of a very special chapter for us. What makes Number 9 so exceptional is the people. The staff are incredibly kind, caring, and genuinely invested in each child’s happiness and development. You can feel the warmth and joy the moment you walk through the door. Both of our children have thrived here — not just academically, but emotionally and socially. They’ve come home singing songs, proudly showing off their arts and crafts, and talking about feelings and kindness in a way that’s been so lovely to witness. Number 9 doesn’t just prepare children for school — it nurtures them as people. We’ll always be grateful for the love, patience, and dedication shown by everyone at the nursery. Thank you, Number 9, for giving our children the best possible start.

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Danielle Simpson
8 months ago

The most wonderful nursery. I have sent both my children here from 1 years old and I could not recommend this outstanding setting enough. They were both so happy and flourished under their care. Every member of staff is dedicated to providing an excellent and nurturing environment. We will really miss them.

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Hima P Knapp
6 months ago

The best nursery! I trusted Number 9 with my 8 month old daughter, 5 days a week and they did not disappoint even 4 years later! She graduated this week and we all had tears in our eyes. The lovely ladies that work there are incredible…kind, caring and so thoughtful..every single one. I knew that if she was sad there would be someone there to cuddle her and if she had something to celebrate there would be someone there to cheer her on. Thank you for helping us to guide her to be the strong, kind, funny, chatty, confident girl she is today. And for helping her get school ready! We are so sad to be leaving you but she is 100% ready. Keep shining number 9! Forever grateful! Love you all x

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Dipen Jobanputra
8 months ago

Number 9 has been so much more than a nursery for our son. From when he started at six months, the team have cared for him, encouraged him, and genuinely loved him. They gave him the space to grow, to be curious, and to become the kind, confident little boy he is today. Leaving has been really tough because knowing he was safe and happy there gave us such peace of mind. The foundation they’ve given him means he’s ready for his next step, and we’ll always be grateful for the impact they’ve had on him — and on us as a family.

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zara wajid
10 months ago

A Hidden Gem in South Park Hill Road – Number 9 Nursery Number 9 Nursery is truly a magical little haven for children. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re met with a warm, nurturing atmosphere that instantly puts both parents and little ones at ease. The love, care, and dedication that go into running this nursery shine through in every detail — from the joyful way the staff interact with the children to the creative, stimulating activities that are planned day after day. What stands out most is how beautifully maintained the nursery is. It’s spotless, organized, and thoughtfully set up to create an environment that feels both safe and exciting for growing minds. Every corner invites imagination, learning, and laughter — there’s always something fun happening! The team at Number 9 are not just professionals; they’re genuinely kind, warm, and passionate about early years development. You can tell the children feel loved, seen, and encouraged to explore and thrive. There’s a real sense of community and care here that’s hard to find. The owner, in particular, has poured her heart into this place. Her commitment, creativity, and consistent effort to make the nursery a happy, enriching space for children are truly inspiring. It’s clear she leads with love and integrity, and that energy filters through everything Number 9 stands for. If you’re lucky enough to have a spot at Number 9 Nursery, you can rest assured your child is in the best of hands — learning, growing, and making joyful memories every day

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Number 9 The Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: January 2018

  • July 2023Good
  • January 2018Outstanding

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