A nursery has achieved a "strong" rating in all areas of its first Ofsted inspection.
Foresters Den Abbey Nursery in Waltham Abbey was praised by inspectors for its "ambitious leadership, inclusion, and high-quality early years provision."
The nursery, founded by early years entrepreneur and mother-of-three Jennifer Thomas-Grant, was rated "strong" for achievement, behaviour, routines, welfare, curriculum, inclusion, and leadership. Under Ofsted’s current framework, a Strong standard means that a setting reaches a strong standard and its leaders are working "above the standard expected of them."
Ms Thomas-Grant said: "I'm incredibly proud of the result, but what means the most to me is that the things we have always believed in have been recognised. The standard we showed on inspection day wasn't something we suddenly created for Ofsted. It is genuinely how we try to work every day.
"Inclusion, supporting children with SEND, knowing our families and giving children opportunities are at the heart of why the nursery exists."
Ofsted inspectors highlighted inclusion as a key strength, praising the nursery's support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The setting’s leadership was described as both "reflective and ambitious," with inspectors noting that leaders are "fiercely ambitious for all children."
Ms Thomas-Grant, who grew up in Edmonton, launched her first nursery in Cheshunt in 2018 after starting out as a childminder. She later expanded to Waltham Abbey, opening Foresters Den Abbey in July 2024 after investing approximately £40,000 to transform a former nursery building.
She said her long-term goal is to mentor and inspire others who may not see themselves as typical business owners, drawing on her own experience of starting with no outside investment. Foresters Den now employs around 30 staff across its two sites, supports 98 families, and has provided more than 60 apprenticeship opportunities.
The business remains independently owned, with plans for a third nursery already underway. Ms Thomas-Grant said she hopes to continue supporting children, families, and young people entering the early years sector through ongoing growth and mentorship.
Share