LEYF - Katharine Bruce Nursery & Pre-School

The Katharine Bruce Community Nursery provided a friendly, safe and nurturing environment for our two oldest children, who both attended for 2-3 full days (0800-1800) per week. The staff are great with kids. There is a rich variety of materials to play with and activities to do. Our children have always enjoyed and looked forward to going to the nursery. The only downsides are the cost, which is expensive and the organisation has become inflexible with regards to the hours children can attend. We have been told that in the future, children will have to attend for five half - or full days per week. The fees make this unaffordable for us, so we are having to find a different nursery for our youngest child, which is a shame.

Well done to everyone and thanks so much to be that exceptional!

A clean and safe environment for my child. Staff are helpful and engaging. A real focus on child development and learning as well as free play encouraging creativity and individual interests. Reading journals have been excellent and encourage parents to continue home learning to support Work done in the nursery.

Lots of good interaction with parents and always encourage to get involved and contribute to activities.

Good outdoor space and space in rooms for children to move around and play.

My daughter has been attending this nursery since last November. After a short period of settling down, she is now confident and happy to stay there especially with her key teachers and another child who is now her special friend. All the teachers are really professional and nurturing. I really like their big garden and the cosy bedroom where children can rest separately from those who don’t.

From the first day, staff have gone out of their way to ensure my daughter's welfare and I always feel confident that she will be well looked after and supported during her time there. The staff update us daily on her learning and activities for the day and meet with us regularly to review her learning and development plan.

My daughter's language and social skills have vastly improved since joining the nursery and she is more confident in her verbal skills and in interacting with the staff and other children. The focus on both structured and free play has done wonders for her development. All the staff have a genuine interest in all of the children and go above and beyond in their duties and responsibilities.

Parents are encouraged to participate and always kept involved in reading and class learning.

The setting provides a great space with a lovely secure garden. I have recommended this nursery to several friends looking for excellent childcare in the area

My child has been at Katharine Bruce for 2 years and enjoys his time at nursery. He has a bond with all members of staff and I feel they genuinely care about him and his wellbeing. Communication between staff and parents is very good and I feel that my son is safe and happy whilst at the nursery.

The children are separated according to the age group which is beneficial especially for the tiny babies and those getting ready to move on to school. Meals are healthy and nutritious and prepared on site. The variety and frequency of snacks throughout the day are excellent.

The outdoor space is large and safe and my child is able to run around and let off steam every day as long as the weather permits.

I am happy with the care provided at the nursery, my elder child also attended nursery here and I would recommend to friends and family.

We have 2 children at this Nursery (1.5 year old in Baby room and 3.5 year old in Preschool). They are happy, and settled well with both peers and staff.

The staff - All are extremely kind and caring and show a genuine interest in their personalities and development. We are regularly updated on progress. There has been very little/no turnover since our eldest started c.2 years ago.

Outside space - Large for London- slides, a greenhouse and always supervised. They play outside daily and the babies are cordoned off from older kids.

Learning and development - We are reassured that they are stimulated in many ways- no 2 days the same. Preschool room preps for school - we have a weekly book to read at home, and early letter and word recognition. Inquisitiveness, curiosity and imagination are encouraged which is important for us.

Meals - An on-site chef cooks each day, without sugar.

We are very happy with Katharine Bruce nursery and thank the staff for their role in our children's childhood. I would definitely recommend this nursery.

Very good nursery with very supportive staff team. I have had 2 of my children attend this nursery and they have both loved it. The staff team show a high level of commitment to support children's growth and development which leads to a smooth transition into mainstream education. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a supportive and excellent nursery.

Katharine Bruce nursery has been a wonderful home-from-home for both our older son (who attended from 10 months to 4.5 years old) and younger son (who is currently attending the nursery). Stand out features are without question the warm and caring staff who create a fun, nurturing environment in which our children have thrived. It speaks volumes that many of the team have worked at the nursery for 10 or 20 years plus, and the sense of friendship within the staff creates a relaxed family-like atmosphere. The nursery itself benefits from a wide range of resources, including purposefully equipped baby room, toddler room and pre-school room, fantastic sensory room, and a large outdoor playground with separated space for babies. Key workers focus on devising activities to suit each child’s individual interests and stage of development, in order to stimulate their learning and prepare them for a smooth transition to primary school. We have recommended Katharine Bruce Nursery to many friends.