Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Provider in London
We are a family-run nursery with a rich history dating back to 1948 when Dorothy McKenzie established the first McKenzie Day Nursery. Taking over in 1994, Joan McKenzie rebranded the nursery as The Learning Tree, maintaining a commitment to providing high-quality, affordable childcare rooted in a warm, family-oriented environment. Our ethos prioritises individual attention, emotional well-being, and preparing children for school through a stimulating, play-based curriculum. With a dedicated team boasting exceptional retention rates, we foster strong relationships between staff, children, and parents. In July 2024, we achieved a GOOD Ofsted rating, reflecting our focus on early years education, safety, and communication.Our secure outdoor spaces and three bright, age-specific rooms cater to children aged 1-5, offering tailored activities that nurture growth and confidence. We participate in the governments free hours scheme, ensuring accessibility for qualifying families. Generations of parents have trusted us with their children, many of whom were once our own pupils. Led by Nursery Proprietor Celia McKenzie, our team combines professional expertise with genuine care, ensuring every child thrives in a supportive, joyful setting.
Services
Childcare Services
Early Years Education
Ofsted Registered Care
Free Hours Scheme
Outdoor Play Activities
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run nursery with 76 years of uninterrupted childcare experience.
- Our team maintains exceptional staff retention, ensuring continuity for children.
- We received a GOOD Ofsted rating in July 2024 for our educational standards.
- We participate in the governments free hours scheme for eligible families.
- Our curriculum focuses on emotional well-being and school readiness through play.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Happy with care
Effective communication
Love coming to nursery
Staff dedication
Confidence-building
Services
Childcare Services
We provide high-quality childcare for children aged 1-5 in a secure, nurturing environment. Our sessions run from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm during term time, with flexible morning, afternoon, and full-day options. Our staff-to-child ratio ensures individual attention, fostering emotional well-being and social development through structured and free-play activities.
Early Years Education
Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage, focusing on learning through play. Activities include storytelling, music, and sensory exploration to develop language, numeracy, and motor skills. We balance child-initiated play with adult-led sessions, preparing children for school while encouraging creativity and confidence.
Ofsted Registered Care
Rated GOOD by Ofsted in July 2024, our nursery meets rigorous standards for safety, education, and child welfare. Staff undergo regular training to maintain compliance, ensuring a safe environment. We prioritise communication with parents, providing updates on childrens progress and any incidents during their stay.
Free Hours Scheme
We offer 15-30 free hours per week of childcare for eligible children aged 1-5 under the governments scheme. This accessible option supports working families, with sessions available mornings, afternoons, or full days. Parents can apply through our website or contact us for eligibility guidance.
Outdoor Play Activities
Our secure outdoor area features play equipment, a wildlife mural, and all-weather surfaces for physical development. Children engage in riding toys, sandpit play, and planting activities, promoting motor skills and nature exploration. The space is designed to encourage active play while ensuring safety and accessibility.
People
Celia McKenzie
Nursery Proprietor
Celia McKenzie, Nursery Proprietor, holds a Masters Degree in International English Teaching and an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Education. With over 20 years of experience, she focuses on fostering childrens potential and maintaining close relationships with families and staff to ensure individualised care.
Joan McKenzie
Nursery Consultant
Joan McKenzie, founder of The Learning Tree, now serves as a consultant after retiring as owner. She has five adult children, including a daughter with disabilities, and prioritises creating a happy, secure environment where children flourish through confidence-building and personalised attention.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 1 to 5 years, with activities tailored to different developmental stages in our age-specific rooms.
Is your nursery Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are Ofsted-registered and received a GOOD rating in our July 2024 inspection, reflecting our commitment to quality care and education.
Do you offer government-funded free hours?
Yes, we participate in the government’s free hours scheme for eligible children aged 1-5, offering 15-30 hours of care weekly.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes staff with NVQ Level 3 qualifications in Early Years Education and other relevant certifications, ensuring professional expertise in childcare.
How can I arrange a visit?
Contact us via phone or email to schedule a visit. Our Nursery Manager, Shilpa Solanki, will assist with appointments during term time.
