LEYF is a social enterprise which runs 43 nurseries across 13 London boroughs, delivering high quality Early Years education and care to children aged from birth to five years old. 77% of its nurseries are located in some of London’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and it champions equal access to Early Years Education and Care. 100% of its nurseries are Ofsted Outstanding or Good. Its innovative cross-subsidy model ensures that up to 35% of nursery places are fully subsidised for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. And in a sector where sustainability is often overlooked, LEYF stands out for integrating sustainable practices across governance, leadership operations, and pedagogy. Its impacts include reducing carbon emissions, minimising food waste, eliminating single-use plastics, building sustainable partnerships and educating future generations. LEYF was awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2025. Its commitment to sustainability, social justice, and educational excellence is shaping the future of the Early Years sector. What next? • How can we scale up this kind of innovation and create more effective, responsive, and sustainable people-focused public services? Read our January 2026 report. • More case studies of social enterprise innovation
LEYF is a social enterprise which runs 43 nurseries across 13 London boroughs, delivering high quality Early Years education and care to children aged from birth to five years old. 77% of its nurseries are located in some of London’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and it champions equal access to Early Years Education and Care. 100% of its nurseries are Ofsted Outstanding or Good. Its innovative cross-subsidy model ensures that up to 35% of nursery places are fully subsidised for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. And in a sector where sustainability is often overlooked, LEYF stands out for integrating sustainable practices across governance, leadership operations, and pedagogy. Its impacts include reducing carbon emissions, minimising food waste, eliminating single-use plastics, building sustainable partnerships and educating future generations. LEYF was awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2025. Its commitment to sustainability, social justice, and educational excellence is shaping the future of the Early Years sector. What next? • How can we scale up this kind of innovation and create more effective, responsive, and sustainable people-focused public services? Read our January 2026 report. • More case studies of social enterprise innovation