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Caterpillars Pre-School in Colchester

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jun 2022)
·Birch C of E School, School Hill, COLCHESTER, CO2 0LZ · Essex
Number of places
16 places
Age range
3–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2022
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

Caterpillars Pre-School offers an Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' early years education for children aged two to five years. The pre-school fosters a secure, enjoyable, and educational atmosphere where staff are dedicated to the safety and welfare of every child.

Practitioners focus on individual learning, encouraging children to explore, feel safe, and progress at their own speed. The pre-school emphasises play-based learning, incorporating a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities.

Both of Caterpillars' settings have consistently achieved 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings, reflecting the continuous hard work and commitment of their team. The pre-school is committed to adapting to the needs of the children and community, while also adhering to government policies and standards.

Staff regularly engage in ongoing training to implement new ideas and refine practices, ensuring a dynamic and enriching environment.

Our ethos

Caterpillars Pre-School is committed to providing an 'Outstanding' early years education through a play-based learning approach. They focus on individual learning, allowing children to explore and progress at their own pace within a secure and enjoyable atmosphere. The pre-school values adapting to children's needs and ensuring a dynamic, enriching environment through ongoing staff training and adherence to government standards.

What it's like

Children are highly inquisitive and independent learners, eager to learn and practise new skills, and successfully persevere and challenge themselves. They are happy and well cared for by exemplary practitioners, highly engaged and focused on their play, and confident and self-sufficient with personal care. Children explore a well-resourced mud kitchen, experiment with tools, and make exciting discoveries in the sand pit.

Ofsted OutstandingPlay-based learningExperienced staff

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Age range

2-5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Caterpillars Pre-School

Last inspected 28 June 2022 · Helen Clutterham

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children are highly inquisitive and independent learners, eager to learn and practise new skills, and successfully persevere and challenge themselves. They are happy and well cared for by exemplary practitioners, highly engaged and focused on their play, and confident and self-sufficient with personal care. Children explore a well-resourced mud kitchen, experiment with tools, and make exciting discoveries in the sand pit.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are highly inquisitive and independent learners.
  • Practitioners are outstanding role models and attend extensive professional development.
  • Books and stories are brought to life, exposing children to extensive new vocabulary.
  • Children are exposed to a language-rich environment, giving them an excellent start with their communication skills.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities thrive in the inclusive environment and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Inspection #10127332 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents praise the practitioners and have the highest regard for their caring and nurturing relationships with children.

They say practitioners are kind, approachable and helpful.

Parents share that their children thrive and grow at the pre-school.

They are complimentary about how much progress they can see at home from the learning that takes place at pre-school.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities thrive in the inclusive environment and they achieve the best possible outcomes.

Outdoor space

Children experiment in the extremely well-resourced mud kitchen. They squeal with excitement as they roll down the hill in the grass and chase each other in the wind, and they have the freedom to play and explore in an environment where learning is fun.

Inspection history

Date: September 2011

  • June 2022Outstanding
  • October 2014Outstanding
  • September 2011Good

Frequently asked about Caterpillars Pre-School

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more