Opening hours
Mon-Fri / 8am-2pm
Diddydots Nursery
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Feb 2023)
Number of places
26 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Essex
About this day nursery
Diddydots Nursery, situated in St Lawrence, Essex, is a welcoming, single-room setting that focuses on providing exceptional care and education for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Embracing the 'Curiosity Approach', the nursery fosters a natural, home-like environment where children are encouraged to learn through exploration and play.
As a 'pack away' setting, the room is continuously reconfigured to align with the children's evolving interests and needs. Diddydots Nursery prides itself on its strong partnerships with parents, viewing them as essential collaborators in their children's development and actively involving them in the nursery's services.
The nursery is also committed to contributing positively to the local community, as evidenced by their sapling planting initiative with the Woodland Trust. They are dedicated to ensuring each child benefits from a safe and stimulating environment, receives individual attention, and has opportunities for social interaction.
A key worker system is in place to monitor each child's progress, emphasising a parent-inclusive approach to early education.
Our ethos
Diddydots Nursery embraces the 'Curiosity Approach' to foster a natural, home-like environment that encourages learning through exploration and play. They prioritise strong parent partnerships, viewing them as collaborators in child development, and utilise a key worker system with a parent-inclusive approach to monitor progress. The nursery aims to provide a safe, stimulating, and individually attentive environment for every child.
What it's like
Children are welcomed into this truly inspiring, magical environment. Diddydots delivers a 'curiosity approach' curriculum as it is an accredited setting. Children lead their own learning through the wealth of invitations to learn, showing complete fascination in everything around them and using authentic resources to investigate.
Curiosity ApproachHome from home environmentTerm-time onlyCommunication Friendly SettingFocus on parent partnership
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged at an hourly rate per child. Government funding is available for eligible children aged nine months, two, three, and four years old, including the 30-hour funding offer.
Funding accepted
15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
- Hourly fee£8.00 / hour
Good to know
- Government funding is available for eligible children aged 9 months, 2, 3 and 4 years old.
- Offers 30-hour funding for eligible children.
- Parents are advised to verify current times and prices upon registration.
Key facts
Age range
6 months up to 5 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Session types
Term time only
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Diddydots Nursery
Last inspected 9 February 2023
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 welcomed into this truly inspiring, magical environment. Diddydots delivers a 'curiosity approach' curriculum as it is an accredited setting. Children lead their own learning through the wealth of invitations to learn, showing complete fascination in everything around them and using authentic resources to investigate.
Inspector highlights
- Children have a strong sense of self and staff establish close bonds with all children.
- Superb, professional relationships have been formed with parents who are encouraged to share information about their children's development at home.
- Children have a wealth of opportunities to develop mathematical skills and use simple mathematics in their play.
- The unique practice and delivery of the 'curiosity approach' to learning is worthy of dissemination.
- The manager is truly inspirational, providing outstanding care and teaching quality, and fostering a motivated and committed team.
Inspection #10264820 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
"Parents speak extremely positively of all aspects of the nursery."
"They comment that the environment is amazing and many travel long distances to attend this setting."
"They are very complimentary about the staff, saying they are welcoming and approachable and talking about how well their children develop in the 'wonderful' environment."
"They discuss the children's independence and confidence since attending and say their children's language development is exceptional."
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Positive links with outside agencies involved in the care of the children are established to ensure a consistent collaborative approach. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are supported exceptionally well and make excellent progress.
Outdoor space
Children independently prepare for learning outdoors, dressing themselves competently in wellington boots and all-weather suits. They explore the wonders of nature in the exciting garden, building see-saws, digging for treasures, and checking the bug hotel.
Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2023
Date: June 2017
- February 2023Outstanding
- June 2017Good
Frequently asked about Diddydots Nursery
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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