Learn more about The Sunflower Nursery and who we are

Al-Falah The Sunflower Nursery opened on the 3rd of November 1997 by the Mayor of Redbridge Counsellor Reg Golding.

Want to know more? Feel free to contact us to discuss all your little ones requirements.

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We are situated at 57 Empress Avenue, Ilford, Essex IG1 3DE.

Al-Falah The Sunflower Nursery ensures that activities are appropriate to the age and development stages of the children and those activities are varied to give the children opportunities to develop physical, social and cognitive skill.

Parents will be given regular feedback regarding their child’s day and progress. This will be either through informal verbal feedback or through formal appointments with your child’s key worker. Children will also have a profile book which will contain observations, photos and information about your child, this is filled in monthly and then periodically given to parents to take home, to look at with you child and also to add to, with your own pictures and observations about your child.

Our dedicated staff, nearly all holding qualifications in children’s care, learning, and development, or possessing degrees in relevant fields, actively pursue ongoing professional development.

We encourage continuous learning and aim to enhance their expertise. Additionally, all team members receive comprehensive training in crucial areas such as safeguarding children, paediatric first aid, moving and handling, food hygiene, and fire safety. Individual training needs are assessed, and additional training is provided as required.

Want to know more? Feel free to contact us to discuss all your little ones requirements.

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At our Sunflower Nursery, we take great care in selecting our staff based on their ability to provide warm and consistent care, coupled with a deep understanding of the evolving physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of the children we serve.

To ensure the highest standards, all our staff undergo a meticulous vetting process, meeting stringent requirements set by Ofsted. Before joining our team, comprehensive checks, including Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks and satisfactory references from previous employers, are obtained. These checks are regularly updated, irrespective of their length of service.

While the paramount focus of our staff is ensuring the health, safety, and well- being of the children, we are equally committed to making their time with us an enjoyable ‘learning journey.’ Our goal is to create an environment that enables each child to learn, develop, and have fun, fostering a positive and enriching experience.

Our Vision

At Sunflower Nursery, our vision is grounded in the principles of positive, caring relationships built on trust and respect, forming the core of our philosophy. We are dedicated to realising a clear and impactful vision at our Sunflower Nurseries.

Aligned with our vision, we are committed to enabling all children to unlock their potential as successful learners, fostering confidence, instilling a sense of responsibility, and nurturing the qualities that contribute to effective citizenship and societal contribution.

As educators, we strive to prepare every child for the future, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Sunflower Nursery is not just a place of early education; it is a community that values growth, individuality, and the well-being of every child, embodying a vision that transcends mere instruction to create a lasting impact on the lives we impact.

We Aim:

  • To provide a safe, happy, caring, stimulating and secure environment for our children where everyone feels valued, included, and respected.
  • To engage our children in the highest-quality teaching and learning and to maximise success for all.
  • To create a nursery which feels like home and to provide an extended family environment.
  • To develop a shared vision for the future of Sunflower Nurseries
  • To foster high-quality leadership at all levels
  • To work in partnership with other agencies and our communities to promote the welfare of our children.
  • To work together with parents as partners to improve learning and care.
  • To reflect on our work and fulfil our learning potential.
  • To value and empower our children and staff by recognising and celebrating successes and achievements
  • To promote well-being and respect
  • To develop a culture of ambition and achievement
  • To equip our children with skills for learning, life, and work, ready to actively grasp and follow their dreams in the future.

Meet the team

Fatima Juneja

Founder

Welcome to The Sunflower Nursery Website! I'm Fatima, the founder of Sunflower Nursery. I have a background in Montessori and psychology, my passion lies in ensuring that every child achieves the best possible outcomes in life and flourishes.

My journey began as a Montessori Teacher, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact a supportive environment can have on a child’s formative years. Driven by a desire to provide an exceptional early learning experience, I then became the founder of Sunflower Nursery. Successfully expanding Sunflower Nurseries has been a rewarding journey, enriching the lives of more children and families in different communities.

Louiza Meksem

Area Manager

After leaving University, where I was studying Law, I got into childcare as a French teacher for four months. I was offered a full time position as a nursery assistant shortly after that, then after two years of experience working with the children, I started my NVQ level 3 which I finished in 2001. Straight after getting qualified I got offered the deputy managers position.

I am now qualified to NVQ level 4, it gave me more confidence in doing my job. I am enthusiastic about taking further steps to study more and am planning to do the early years foundation degree. My other roles are as Safeguarding Officer, First Aider, and as area manager, I overlook the day to day running of all the nurseries in the Sunflower group. I am the busy Mother of two daughters; I am a sociable person, who enjoys meeting other people from different cultures and communities and learning about their lives.