--- title: "Crocus Early Years Centre — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Crocus Early Years Centre, a nursery in Saffron Walden — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "logo": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/__l5e/assets-v1/18ee05cb-93ee-4d8a-b535-85644088f16f/nursery-advice-social-share.png", "sameAs": [ "https://twitter.com/nurseryadvice" ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer support", "email": "hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409#webpage", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409", "name": "Crocus Early Years Centre — Rated Good by Ofsted", "description": "Crocus Early Years Centre, a nursery in Saffron Walden — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409#nursery", "name": "Crocus Early Years Centre", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Saffron Walden County High School", "addressLocality": "Audley End Road", "postalCode": "CB11 4UH" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409#webpage" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 52.017104, "longitude": 0.231493 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Saffron Walden" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 4, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Maisie Palmer" }, "reviewBody": "When I was about 4 months old, I started going to Crocus Nursery, Saffron Walden. It was BRILLIANT!! I used to go into the Kitchen every lunchtime and help wash up and cook! I wasn't really aloud, but know-one really minded! I still remember the day when we had a visit from the local Fire Engine Team! I had a ride in it! Altogether, Crocus Nursery is absolutely FAB!", "datePublished": "2013-04-04T15:04:19.101558Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "venkatesh muthukrishnan" }, "reviewBody": "My son went there for few months. He wasn't speaking English when he started the nursery. Within two months he was able to speak fluently English with other kids. He made good friends. His carer Tanya put a fantastic effort on him. This is the best nursery we have ever worked with.", "datePublished": "2023-01-31T11:11:46.590853Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Emma Sands" }, "reviewBody": "My daughter has come on so much since being at nursery, and I owe a lot to the team at Crocus! They have helped her grow and develop, and also give her lots of cuddles and attention when she's feeling 'under the weather'. Could not imagine sending her anywhere else.", "datePublished": "2021-10-18T13:13:44.002376Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Moises Muñoz" }, "datePublished": "2024-08-14T06:01:42.456061Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "East of England", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=East%20of%20England" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Crocus Early Years Centre", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did Crocus Early Years Centre do at its last Ofsted inspection?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery was rated Good at its last Ofsted inspection on 15 November 2022." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What do parents value about Crocus Early Years Centre?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Parents say staff are knowledgeable and keep them updated about children's learning and what comes next. They value that regular communication, along with the clear information shared about daily experiences and progress." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What outdoor space does Crocus Early Years Centre have?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children have access to a well-resourced garden. Babies use a climbing frame in the baby room, and older children move freely between indoors and the garden while taking part in activities such as dance and yoga." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded childcare entitlements does Crocus Early Years Centre accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts universal 15-hour funding for 3- and 4-year-olds, along with 15-hour funding for disadvantaged 2-year-olds." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is Crocus Early Years Centre open?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm and runs for 51 weeks of the year." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [East of England](/search?region=East+of+England) 4. Crocus Early Years Centre # Crocus Early Years Centre Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Nov 2022) · 5.0 (4 parent reviews) · Saffron Walden County High School, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, CB11 4UH · Essex Number of places 85 places Age range 0–4 yrs Last inspected Nov 2022 Local authority Essex About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Crocus Early Years Centre, established in 2002, provides childcare for children aged 0-4 years. 30am to 6pm for 51 weeks of the year, this setting received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted on 15th November 2022. Children at Crocus Early Years Centre develop their physical skills through a variety of engaging activities. Babies have free access to a climbing frame, while older children benefit from free-flow access to a well-resourced garden, participating in dance and yoga. The nursery fosters strong communication and language skills, offering a range of books and introducing babies to sign language, which is shared with parents. Staff support children who speak English as an additional language by introducing new words and using key phrases in their home language. They also promote independence, encouraging children to serve their own meals and get dressed. Parents commend the knowledgeable staff for keeping them well-informed about their children's learning and upcoming activities. What it's like Children develop their physical skills through activities like climbing and free-flow access to a well-resourced garden. They enjoy warm interactions with staff, learn about emotions, and develop strong communication and language skills through books, songs, and sign language. Good Ofsted rating Focus on physical development Strong communication skills Promoting independence Support for EAL children Well-resourced garden ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds ## Key facts Opening hours Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, for 51 weeks of the year. Established 2002 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Crocus Early Years Centre Last inspected 15 November 2022 Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Good Quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good What it's like to attend Children develop their physical skills through activities like climbing and free-flow access to a well-resourced garden. They enjoy warm interactions with staff, learn about emotions, and develop strong communication and language skills through books, songs, and sign language. Inspector highlights - Children develop their physical skills, with access to climbing frames and free-flow opportunities to the garden. - Children enjoy warm interactions with staff and are taught about emotions. - Children have good communication and language skills, with access to books and sign language. - Staff focus on teaching children independence, such as serving meals and putting on coats. - Staff work closely with local schools to support children's transitions. Areas to develop - 1 help staff to develop their practice so that they focus consistently on supporting children's engagement in their activities and learning. Inspection #10233611 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50202779) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Crocus Early Years Centre Inspection date Nov 2022 Inspection no. 10233611 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50202779)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY219409) 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 Saffron Walden County High School, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, CB11 4UH [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/0.23149/52.0171/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Saffron Walden - [Day nurseries in Saffron Walden](/search?q=Saffron+Walden) - [Day nurseries in East of England](/search?q=East+of+England) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > Parents say staff are knowledgeable and that they are kept up to date with children's learning and what they will be doing next. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Staff support children who speak English as an additional language through introducing new words and using key phrases in their home language to support their communication development. Outdoor space Children develop their physical skills while at nursery. For example, children have free access to a climbing frame in the baby room where they enjoy climbing up the stairs and going down the slide independently. Older children have free-flow opportunities to the well-resourced garden and participate in dance and yoga activities throughout the day. ## Parent Reviews of Crocus Early Years Centre 5.0 (4) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjV3Zs617s9zKwb60plmsUIVvibBiL2y23KkbnFACI_nNCiQU7W7=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Maisie Palmer 13 years ago When I was about 4 months old, I started going to Crocus Nursery, Saffron Walden. It was BRILLIANT!! I used to go into the Kitchen every lunchtime and help wash up and cook! I wasn't really aloud, but know-one really minded! I still remember the day when we had a visit from the local Fire Engine Team! I had a ride in it! Altogether, Crocus Nursery is absolutely FAB! [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURRMy1maFdREAE!2m1!1s0x47d88827d55d556b:0xfd478808baf35) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVWxa_HqMEBTw0z3MnxySlVKtA7katV5Upfy8ZdmyipMH0bLvU=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) venkatesh muthukrishnan 3 years ago My son went there for few months. He wasn't speaking English when he started the nursery. Within two months he was able to speak fluently English with other kids. He made good friends. His carer Tanya put a fantastic effort on him. This is the best nursery we have ever worked with. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCdF9fN0p3EAE!2m1!1s0x47d88827d55d556b:0xfd478808baf35) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVD_rDtfKlAXVkBLCpf8hPnKjJXD8hhz8PZ0NrCDvaHqIRNcaEA2Q=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Emma Sands 4 years ago My daughter has come on so much since being at nursery, and I owe a lot to the team at Crocus! They have helped her grow and develop, and also give her lots of cuddles and attention when she's feeling 'under the weather'. Could not imagine sending her anywhere else. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNHaUxqcHNnRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d88827d55d556b:0xfd478808baf35) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKh3nCVsND68SkBgMZ6efCd2LFrLNepaIL1lqZKsPDQm2NSzQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba5) Moises Muñoz a year ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3NHMzWVlnEAE!2m1!1s0x47d88827d55d556b:0xfd478808baf35) Reviews from Google for Crocus Early Years Centre. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4455738668461877&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: December 2003 - November 2022 Good - January 2017 Good - October 2013 Good - December 2012 Good - February 2010 Good - December 2003 Outstanding ## Frequently asked about Crocus Early Years Centre ### How did Crocus Early Years Centre do at its last Ofsted inspection? ### What do parents value about Crocus Early Years Centre? ### What outdoor space does Crocus Early Years Centre have? ### Which funded childcare entitlements does Crocus Early Years Centre accept? ### When is Crocus Early Years Centre open? ## Nearby day nurseries in Saffron Walden Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Crocus Early Years Centre. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### St. Thomas More Montessori Pre School Saffron Walden · CB11 3DW ](/nursery/st-thomas-more-montessori-pre-school-cb11-3dw-ey372721) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 0.8 mi ### Meadows Montessori Saffron Walden · CB11 4DU ](/nursery/meadows-montessori-cb11-4du-ey407996) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 0.8 mi ### Bell Day Nursery Community Interest Company Saffron Walden · CB11 3ED ](/nursery/bell-day-nursery-community-interest-company-cb11-3ed-ey430811) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.9 mi ### Bell Day Pre-school Saffron Walden · CB11 3EG ](/nursery/bell-day-pre-school-cb11-3eg-2524094) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.0 mi ### Saffron Walden Nursery School Saffron Walden · CB11 3AQ 5.0(16 reviews) ](/nursery/saffron-walden-nursery-school-cb11-3aq-650123) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.1 mi ### Stephen Perse Nurseries - Dame Bradbury's Saffron Walden · CB10 2AL ](/nursery/stephen-perse-nurseries-dame-bradbury-s-cb10-2al-2553123) [See all nurseries in Saffron Walden →](/search?q=Saffron+Walden) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details. [Claim listing](/claim?nursery=crocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409) ### Share this nursery Send to a partner, friend or family member. Copy link[](https://wa.me/?text=Crocus%20Early%20Years%20Centre%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice%20https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409 "Share on WhatsApp")[](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/send?link=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409&app_id=140586622674265&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409 "Share on Messenger")[](mailto:?subject=Crocus%20Early%20Years%20Centre&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20this%20nursery%3A%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409 "Share on Email")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409 "Share on Facebook")[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Crocus%20Early%20Years%20Centre%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409 "Share on X")[](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409 "Share on LinkedIn")[](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409&title=Crocus%20Early%20Years%20Centre "Share on Reddit")[](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fcrocus-early-years-centre-cb11-4uh-ey219409&text=Crocus%20Early%20Years%20Centre%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice "Share on Telegram") 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](/about-our-data) Report an issue [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/) The independent UK nursery directory. Built with Ofsted data, kept current weekly. For parents - [Search nurseries](/search) - [Parent Hub](/parent-hub) - [Saved nurseries](/saved) - [Compare](/compare) For nurseries - [Promote Your Nursery](/for-nurseries) - [Claim a listing](/claim) - [Nursery dashboard](/owner) - [Sign in](/auth) Browse by location - [London](/nurseries/london) - [South East](/nurseries/south-east) - [North West](/nurseries/north-west) - [West Midlands](/nurseries/west-midlands) - [Yorkshire](/nurseries/yorkshire-and-the-humber) - [See all regions →](/nurseries) About - [About us](/about-us) - [Editorial policy](/parent-hub/editorial-standards) - [Contact us](/contact) - [Blog](/blog) - Data sources: Ofsted MI, GIAS [](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590427415951)[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nurseryadvice-co-uk)[](https://uk.pinterest.com/NurseryAdvice/) Ofsted data & reports Inspection reports, ratings and provider details displayed on this site are sourced from [Ofsted](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/) and contain public sector information published under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Nursery Advice is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ofsted or any government body. © 2026 Better Search Limited (company no. 17209315), trading as Nursery Advice. All rights reserved. Contact: [hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk](mailto:hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk). [Terms of service](/terms)[Privacy policy](/privacy)Made for parents.