This guide answers common questions parents ask when learning about LEYF nurseries, from who we are and how children learn, to fees, inclusion, and practical next steps.
What is the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF)?
London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) is a London-based social enterprise that runs nurseries across London and works to improve early years education for children and families.
LEYF was founded to reduce inequality through high-quality Early Years Education and Care.
What makes LEYF different from other nursery providers?
LEYF is not a traditional private nursery chain. As a social enterprise, we reinvest profit back into our nurseries, staff, and communities rather than paying dividends to shareholders.
This means we can focus on:
- Fairness, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes for children
- Experienced, well-supported staff and Early Years Teachers
- Inclusive practice and support for families
- Research-informed learning and development
Does LEYF only operate nurseries in London?
Yes. LEYF currently operates nurseries exclusively across London. Our settings are located in 13 different London boroughs, which allows us to serve a wide range of local communities while maintaining a consistent approach to high-quality early years education and care.
By focusing on London, we’re able to build strong local partnerships, respond to community needs, and ensure every nursery reflects the families and children it supports.
What is LEYF’s mission?
LEYF’s mission/ambition is to change the world one child at a time through high-quality Early Years Education and Care We believe the early years matter and that every child deserves the best possible start, regardless of background.
Find out more: Learn about LEYF’s values, nurseries, and wider work in early years education.
Early education and the EYFS
What does good Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) practice look like in nurseries?
Good EYFS practice supports children’s learning through play, relationships, and everyday experiences rather than formal teaching. It focuses on communication, confidence, curiosity, and emotional well–being.
At LEYF, children, from birth to five, learn through exploration, talk, movement, and meaningful interactions with adults who know them well.
How do nurseries in London promote school readiness without being too academic?
School readiness means helping children develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and emotional resilience so they feel ready to learn at school.
LEYF focuses on social skills, language, problem-solving, and self-care, rather than early reading or writing drills.
Children are supported to develop the foundations they need for school at a pace that feels right for them.
Find out more: Explore how learning and development works in LEYF nurseries.
Research-informed early years education
What is research-informed early years pedagogy and why does it matter?
Research-informed practice means using evidence from early years child development and education research to shape how children are supported to learn and thrive.
It matters because it helps ensure decisions are made in children’s best interests, not based on trends or assumptions.
How can I tell if a nursery’s curriculum is based on solid early years research?
Look for nurseries that can clearly explain why they do what they do, how staff are trained, and how learning approaches are reviewed and improved over time.
LEYF combines research, practice, and training, and shares learning across ours nurseries.
Nutrition, chef training, and sustainability at LEYF
Why is food and nutrition so important at London Early Years Foundation?
At LEYF, food is a core part of children’s learning, health, and well–being. Nutritious meals support children’s growth, concentration, and emotional regulation, while shared mealtimes help build independence, social skills, and positive relationships with food.
Food is not an add-on at LEYF. It is part of everyday learning and care.
Do LEYF nurseries provide healthy meals for children?
Yes. We provide freshly prepared, nutritious meals and snacks each day, with menus designed to support children’s growth, dietary needs and positive eating habits.
Are meals cooked on site at LEYF nurseries?
Yes. Most LEYF nurseries have on-site chefs who prepare fresh meals each day. Cooking on site allows menus to reflect children’s needs, cultural diversity, and seasonal ingredients.
Children often see, smell, and talk about food being prepared, helping them understand where food comes from and encouraging curiosity and confidence around eating.
How are LEYF chefs trained?
LEYF runs a dedicated Chef Academy for Early Years Chefs to support consistent nutrition and food standards across all our nurseries. Training focuses on:
- Child nutrition and portion sizes
- Cooking from scratch using fresh ingredients
- Managing allergens safely and confidently
- Reducing waste and cooking sustainably
Chef training is ongoing, helping ensure consistent quality and high standards across nurseries.
How does LEYF manage food allergies and dietary needs?
Children’s safety is central to how food is prepared and served. LEYF manage food allergies and dietary needs through following clear allergen procedures, working in close partnership with families, and ensuring all members of staff are trained across the nurseries
LEYF follows robust food safety and allergen management processes, ensuring dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural or medical needs are identified, documented, and regularly reviewed.
Individual needs are discussed with parents so children can eat safely, confidently, and inclusively at mealtimes.
Find out more about food and nutrition at LEYF
Working with parents and families
How do nurseries support parents with toilet training and personal care?
LEYF supports toilet training and personal care by working in close partnership with parents and following each child’s individual readiness.
Good nurseries respect the child’s lead and home routines where possible and prioritise communication and consistency between home and nursery.
LEYF teams support families with guidance, reassurance, and shared plans, always respecting each child’s readiness.
How does LEYF help parents understand the EYFS and their child’s learning and development?
LEYF keeps parents informed through regular conversations, updates, and observations. Learning is explained in clear, everyday language so parents can see how play supports their child’s development.
Find out more: See how LEYF works in partnership with families.
Inclusion, community, and social impact
Are there nurseries that offer a cross-subsidy model to support disadvantaged children?
Yes. LEYF operates a cross-subsidy model, where income from fee-paying places helps support children and families who may need additional help.
What are the benefits of sending my child to a nursery with a strong community focus?
A nursery with a strong community focus helps children feel a sense of belonging, inclusion, and security.
Children benefit from inclusive environments where diversity, fairness, and belonging are valued. Families benefit from being part of a supportive and connected community.
How do nurseries in London support children from disadvantaged backgrounds?
Nurseries in London support children from disadvantaged backgrounds by combining high-quality care with targeted support for families.
At LEYF, this may include access to funded places, additional learning support, and close partnership with families and local services.
How do nurseries in London support children with additional needs or SEND?
Nurseries in London support children with additional needs or SEND through inclusive practice, trained staff, and close partnership with families and specialists.
LEYF works closely with parents, specialists, and local authorities. Support plans, staff training, and inclusive environments help ensure every child can thrive.
Social enterprise and values
What makes a nursery a social enterprise rather than a traditional private provider?
A social enterprise reinvests its profit back into its social purpose rather than paying dividends to shareholders. For LEYF, that purpose is improving outcomes for children and families.
How do social enterprise nurseries reinvest their profit into communities?
Social enterprise nurseries reinvest their profit into children, staff, and communities.
At LEYF, any generated profit supports staff development, learning environments, research, and wider work to improve Early Years education.
Choosing a nursery in London
What should parents look for when choosing a nursery in London for children under five?
Parents choosing a nursery in London for children under five may want to consider staff experience, relationships, learning approach, inclusion, communication, and how the nursery supports children’s wellbeing.
Visiting the nursery and asking questions can help you decide whether it feels right for your child.
How important are Ofsted ratings when selecting a nursery?
Ofsted ratings provide an external assessment of nursery quality at a specific point in time. Ofsted ratings are one part of the picturebut day-to-day experiences, staff stability, and how children are supported also matter.
What’s the difference between an Outstanding and Good Ofsted nursery?
Both Outstanding and Good ratings mean a nursery is meeting children’s needs well. The difference often reflects small variations in practice rather than overall quality of care.
Comparing LEYF with other providers
Are LEYF nurseries better than Busy Bees and big chains for funded childcare places in London?
LEYF and large nursery chains offer different approaches to Early Years Education and funded childcare. LEYF focuses on research-informed practice, social impact, and reinvesting income into children and communities, while supporting families to access funded places.
Parents may find it helpful to compare what is included, staff experience, and values, not just availability.
Fees, funding, and affordability
How do nursery fees and funded childcare work at LEYF?
LEYF supports families to access funded childcare, Tax-Free Childcare, and other government schemes. Fees reflect the true cost of delivering high-quality early education in London and are reinvested into children, staff, and communities.
Find out more: Read our full guide to nursery fees and funding.
Applying to LEYF nurseries
How do I apply for a nursery place with London Early Years Foundation?
Parents can apply directly through the LEYF website or by contacting your chosen nursery. The team will guide you through availability, fees, and funding options.
Can I move my child between LEYF nurseries if we relocate?
Yes. Where places are available, LEYF can support families who need to move between nurseries if they relocate. Speak to your nursery manager as early as possible to discuss options.
Find out more: Apply for a nursery place or speak to a LEYF nursery team.