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1st Friends Nursery

Awaiting first inspection
·
5.0(4 parent reviews) ·100 High Street, Canvey Island, SS8 7SQ · Essex
Awaiting first Ofsted inspection. This is a newly registered provider (registered October 2025). Ofsted has not yet carried out its first inspection, so no rating is available.
Number of places
—
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
—
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

1st Friends Nursery, located in Canvey Island, provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2 to 5 years. The nursery focuses on fostering a calm atmosphere where each child can thrive and reach their full potential.

They embrace a blend of traditional educational approaches with the Reggio Emilia philosophy, particularly in their toddler group, Little Buddies, and pre-school group, Exploring Friends. The Little Buddies area is designed with various fun learning spaces, including a cosy book corner, areas for maths and language, a cookery corner, and an art station, alongside ample space for music, movement, and physical activities, with outdoor access.

For children aged 3 to 5, the Exploring Friends group emphasises independence and school readiness through practical life skills, mathematics, language, literacy, sensorial exploration, culture, and art. This pre-school group fully adopts the Reggio Emilia curriculum, which aligns with the EYFS Early Learning Goals, preparing children for primary school.

The nursery encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through a mix of child-led exploration and structured activities, all supported by a dedicated and Reggio Emilia-trained team.

Our ethos

1st Friends Nursery embraces the Reggio Emilia philosophy, particularly in their toddler and pre-school groups, integrating it with traditional educational approaches and the EYFS curriculum. They foster independence, curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through a blend of child-led exploration and structured activities, supported by a Reggio Emilia-trained team.

Reggio Emilia ApproachDedicated StaffSchool Readiness FocusOutdoor Play

Pricing & funding

Fees apply to all age groups and are charged per half-day session or full day. There is a minimum booking requirement of two sessions per week, and morning-only or term-time places are not standardly offered. Fees include healthy snacks, but additional charges apply for meals, extra hours, and consumables.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Minimum booking of 2 sessions per week (one session equals 3 hours).
  • Morning-only bookings and term-time only places are generally not available.
  • Sibling discounts of 10% for the second child and 15% for the third child apply to non-funded hours only.
  • Consumables and snacks are excluded from sibling discounts.
  • Open all year round, Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Open all year round.

Age range

2 to 5 years

Parent Reviews of 1st Friends Nursery

5.0
(4)
Lilp Lilp
5 months ago

Mrs Dobrin, We speak of you very highly! You gave teddy the best start in life, he has some lovely memories that he still speaks of today. You are truly so passionate, caring and really had the kids best interest at heart. You are amazing at what you do! I know you will go and make a positive impact on so many children's lives in a safe, happy and fun learning environment. I wish you every success for the future. And thank you, honestly form the bottom of our hearts.

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Chloe Katie Jacques
2 months ago

Simona & Joan, I honestly cannot speak anymore highly of either of you, you have made Hallie’s start in the big wide world impeccable, the first day Hallie started at 1st Friends she was very shy and spoke minimal words (both at home and outside of home) after just one week her list of words she could say had improved immensely! Not only that, you both treat Hallie and all the other children like your own, they are so well looked after and cared for that I never have to worry. We receive updates throughout each day on how Hallie is getting on, ie playing, lunch, snacks, toileting, drinks etc and it’s lovely. From the bottom of my heart I honestly cannot thank you both enough, I know Hallie loves you both so much and I will be forever grateful to you for giving Hallie the best first steps into the big wide world without her mum by her side. Thank you again x

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Marie Lane
5 months ago

It’s so lovely to hear from you and that you have realised your dream of opening your very own preschool. Beth and I were talking about you last night and I was telling her how proud you would be of her. She is reading fluently and with expression, and got a full set of 4s on her last report. She also won a talent contest for singing whilst we were on holiday, which goes to show how her confidence has grown. All of this is thanks to the love of learning you gave her during Reception when her love of learning began. Our family will always remember you and we know you will make a huge success of your new adventure.

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Rosie Sayers
a month ago

The staff at 1st friends nursery have gone above and beyond to help make sure my toddler feels safe and settled. The communication and support has been amazing throughout and my son has come on leaps and bounds since starting in January. Couldn’t recommend highly enough - thank you so much ladies ;)

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Inspection history

This provider hasn't received its first Ofsted inspection yet. We'll show the trend here once a graded report is published.

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