LEYF - Marks Gate Nursery & Pre-School School in Romford, Dagenham

Reviews

1. Dulal Ahmed ★☆☆☆☆

   I am deeply disappointed, angry, and frankly disturbed by my experience with this nursery. I had been actively pursuing a place here for months, regularly communicating with staff and being repeatedly assured that spaces were available. Based on these assurances, I registered and fully intended to send my son here. The nursery is literally a one-minute walk from my home, making it the most suitable and practical option for our family. However, the moment the nursery became aware that my son may have additional needs — not diagnosed, not confirmed — their position immediately changed. I was suddenly told they could no longer offer him a place because they had reached their so-called “quota” of children with additional needs. This abrupt reversal was shocking and deeply upsetting. It is impossible to ignore the fact that the only thing that changed was the disclosure of a potential additional need. That is not coincidence — it is discrimination. As a large organisation, this nursery has access to resources, staffing options, and bank staff. Yet no attempt whatsoever was made to discuss reasonable adjustments, support strategies, or collaborative solutions. My child was simply excluded. I was more than willing to work with the nursery, be flexible, and support any reasonable plan — but inclusion was clearly never a priority. To make matters worse, this decision has forced us to travel 10–15 minutes by car to an alternative nursery, causing unnecessary stress, disruption, and impact on an already demanding family situation — all because this nursery chose exclusion over inclusion. I raised a formal complaint, yet the area manager refused to change their stance, reinforcing the message that children who might need support are not welcome once an internal “limit” has been reached. This experience demonstrates a serious lack of inclusivity, accountability, and understanding of equality responsibilities. I would strongly caution any parent — especially those with children who may have additional needs — to think very carefully before trusting this nursery. The values they present do not match the reality.

   almost 6 months ago
2. Monteha Begum ★☆☆☆☆

   I am extremely disappointed and upset by my experience with this nursery. I had been looking at this nursery for months, regularly enquiring and speaking with staff about securing a place for my son. Throughout these conversations, I was repeatedly told that spaces were available, which is why I went ahead and registered and fully intended to send my son there. This nursery is literally 1 minute walk away from my house. However, as soon as the nursery became aware that my son 'MAY' have additional needs, I was then told that they could no longer offer him a place because they had reached their so-called “quota” of children with additional needs. This sudden change in position was shocking and deeply upsetting, especially after we can severely conversations, visited the nursery and had settled on it wholeheartedly. As a large organisation, the nursery should have the resources, staffing, and responsibility to support children of all abilities. They have access to bank staff and I'm sure further support options, yet no attempt was made to discuss reasonable adjustments or solutions. Instead, my child was simply refused a place. I was willing to be flexible and work with the nursery to find a solution. To make matters worse, this nursery is located right next to my home and would have been the most convenient and suitable option for our family. Because of this decision, we are now forced to travel 10–15 minutes by car to another nursery, causing unnecessary stress and disruption my already stressful life. I expected an inclusive, understanding, and supportive environment. Unfortunately, this experience demonstrated a lack of inclusion and has left me feeling extremely let down. I would not recommend this nursery to any parent seeking genuine support for their child. I also made a formal complaint. The area manager did not change their stance.

   almost 6 months ago
3. Erika Csibi ★☆☆☆☆

   I have been to an open day, and I've been told that a place will be kept for when my child is turning the right age for funded hours! When I contacted them, they said, "we will send you the registration form!" They didn't send it even after 2 weeks. I started calling them, but every time they said different excuses, "we will call you," "we will send you," "Manager will call you!"Several attempts from my side, no results! They wasted my time instead of being on point and telling me whatever reason! After this, I registered my son in an even better nursery within one week, and I could choose as this wasn't the only one nursery willing to take my child in! So why not be straightforward???

   almost 2 years ago

1. Maame Afia ★★★★★

   My son loves his days at the nursery. Happy to know he’s safe and learning with hus peers.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Sheila Herbert ★★★★★

   My grandson attends Marks Gate Nursery Monday to Friday during term-time. The staff are brilliant and very caring. Always on hand to help with any problems you may have concerning your child.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Matt Young ★★★★★

   Such a caring and friendly staff. Very good with activities. Really nice building and facilities for the kids. The rooms are large for the number of kids. They are also very community minded and support a food bank. I couldn't imagine a better nursery.

   almost 4 years ago

1. K8tieg87 ★★★★★

   My Son attended this lovely little play school. Friendly staff, very supportive, brilliant with the children. Nothing ever too much trouble for the staff there. They changed my hours twice in order to try and help fit around me and my son which was greatly appreciated. When my son first attended the pre school he didn’t really say much or form a whole sentence but within months of being there he came right out of his shell and was talking in no time. They also have special days and events for the children ie) Mother’s and Fathers Day tea party afternoon’s, where parents can attend with the children, World Book day. They take the children to the local town on the bus for the afternoon, which my son really enjoyed. They even had a local farm bring animals down for the children to pet on a particular dressing up day. Transitioning from one room to another as my son moved up the rooms was always hard for him. Especially with different children in the room, making new friends and getting used to different staff. The nursery staff was brilliant with him, allowing him to help with odd jobs or settling down with him to keep him occupied or keeping him busy with things to do. Great communication with the staff always updating me on what he had eaten or an accident where he had hurt himself, or just generally what he had been getting up-to during his stay. During the lock down when I had to keep my son at home they was always in communication with me and had bags of stuff for him to do on a weekly basis. Which kept my son occupied for months and was a blessing to be honest. My son has recently graduated from the nursery ready to go to primary school. All the staff will be missed. I would highly recommend this play school to any parent.

   almost 5 years ago

FAQs