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Close to Home Childcare

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2024)
·
5.0(3 parent reviews) ·97 Station Road, Burnham on Crouch, CM0 8HR · Essex
Number of places
37 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2024
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

Close to Home Childcare Ltd, situated in a charming detached house in rural Burnham-on-Crouch, offers professional childcare services for children aged 0 to 17. The nursery is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and discover.

They embrace a key worker system to ensure continuity of routine between home and nursery, establishing individual care plans and maintaining constant communication with parents as children progress through developmental stages. The experienced staff cater to the youngest children in safe and secure rooms, well-equipped with resources and essential toiletries.

They offer a wide range of age-appropriate activities, reinforced by attentive supervision. For toddlers, the focus is on maintaining routines while promoting independence in a relaxed, home-like setting.

The nursery values children's curiosity and incorporates local environmental exploration, such as visits to the marina, shops, museum, or beach. Additionally, a fully equipped garden provides exciting learning and exploration opportunities, including an allotment where children help grow food and interact with the nursery's guinea pigs.

After-school care is also provided, offering stimulating activities that extend school learning and encourage social skills across different age groups. The nursery prides itself on its home-cooked meals, catering to all dietary requirements and involving children in meal preparation to foster independence and healthy eating habits.

Our ethos

Close to Home Childcare Ltd values children's curiosity, local environmental exploration, and fostering independence. They incorporate a key worker system for continuity, maintain open communication with parents, and provide a stimulating, home-like environment that encourages healthy eating and learning through play and exploration, including gardening and interacting with animals.

What it's like

Teaching is outstanding and children flourish in this exceptionally homely and inspiring learning environment. The education programme is carefully planned around children's interests, is ambitious, and challenges what children already know, supporting their learning to the highest level. Children are warmly greeted by nurturing staff, who know them extremely well and are genuinely pleased to see them.

Family-runOutdoor-focusedHome-cooked mealsHoliday Club

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

Food

Home-cooked meals, snacks, and drinks provided; packed lunches also permitted. Caters to all dietary requirements and promotes low-sugar options.

Opening hours

Monday to Friday from 7am until 7pm

Age range

0-17 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2009

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Close to Home Childcare

Last inspected 11 July 2024 · Lynn Hartigan

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

Teaching is outstanding and children flourish in this exceptionally homely and inspiring learning environment. The education programme is carefully planned around children's interests, is ambitious, and challenges what children already know, supporting their learning to the highest level. Children are warmly greeted by nurturing staff, who know them extremely well and are genuinely pleased to see them.

Inspector highlights

  • The inspirational managers have a clear vision and drive to provide the highest quality care and education.
  • Children make rapid progress in their learning due to knowledgeable and skilful staff.
  • The nursery is rich in language opportunities, with Makaton signing embedded in practice.
  • Skills children need to be independent learners are promoted, including helping in snack preparation and gardening.
  • Children learn about regulating their feelings and emotions through well-planned activities, such as using a "cosy nook" in the garden.
Inspection #10344296 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

All children, including those who may need additional support, make excellent progress from their starting points. The nursery special educational needs coordinator is very knowledgeable and passionate about her role. Early intervention and positive links with outside agencies involved in the care of the children ensure a consistent, collaborative approach.

Outdoor space

The meticulously planned outdoor environment captures children's curiosity and children relish their time in the garden. Children learn about regulating their feelings and emotions through well-planned activities; for example, they use a "cosy nook" in the garden, a well-used cosy and comfortable space where they listen to soothing music and paint large pebbles to describe how they are feeling.

Parent Reviews of Close to Home Childcare

5.0
(3)
Mark Beharrell
5 years ago

I’ve known Amy and Sarah for most of my life so when I realised they run CTH I didn’t hesitate sending my little H there. It’s more a home from home. H gets so much attention and guidance. Her social skills came on leaps and bounds as soon as she started. But it’s not like they can just run amuck. They are closely reviewed and monitored but with friendship at its heart.

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Kirsty Baldwin
2 years ago

Always been so happy with how well my children are cared for and loved at this nursery. All the staff are fantastic and the boys seem very happy and content there.

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Ian Hayward
3 years ago

Fantastic place for the little ones. Fantastic people. A real home away from home

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Close to Home Childcare. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: July 2009

  • July 2024Outstanding
  • August 2018Outstanding
  • July 2015Good
  • July 2009Good

Frequently asked about Close to Home Childcare

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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