---
title: "Caterpillars Pre-School, Colchester | Nursery Advice"
description: "Caterpillars Pre-School, a nursery in Colchester — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice."
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4.  Caterpillars Pre-School

# Caterpillars Pre-School in Colchester

Compare Contact Nursery 

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 

-   About 
-   Pricing 
-   Ofsted 
-   Inclusion 
-   FAQ 

-   [About](#about)
-   [Pricing](#pricing)
-   [Ofsted](#ofsted)
-   [Inclusion](#inclusion)
-   [FAQ](#faq)

Email Nursery

## 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 Outstanding Play-based learning Experienced 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.

[Request pricing →](https://www.caterpillarspreschool.org/fundraising)

## Key facts

Age range

2-5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

### Official Ofsted Report

Independent inspection of Caterpillars Pre-School

Inspection date

Jun 2022

Inspection no.

10127332

Lead inspector

Helen Clutterham

Safeguarding arrangements are effective

[Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50190299)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY422633)

Visit or enquire

### Book a show-around

Most settings reply within 48 hours.

Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist

Get in touch

### Contact

Phone not yet listed 

[

Visit website ](https://www.caterpillarspreschool.org)

Birch C of E School, School Hill, COLCHESTER, CO2 0LZ 

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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: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50190299)

## 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 2022 Outstanding 
-   October 2014 Outstanding 
-   September 2011 Good 

## Frequently asked about Caterpillars Pre-School

### How is Caterpillars Pre-School classified by Ofsted?

### What are the fees at Caterpillars Pre-School?

### How can Caterpillars Pre-School be contacted?

### Whereabouts is Caterpillars Pre-School?

### What outdoor space does Caterpillars Pre-School have?

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