--- title: "Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives in Peterborough" description: "Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives, a nursery in Peterborough — Ofsted-rated Outstanding. 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/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770#webpage", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770", "name": "Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives in Peterborough", "description": "Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives, a nursery in Peterborough — Ofsted-rated Outstanding. 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/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770#nursery", "name": "Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "West Street", "addressLocality": "Helpston", "postalCode": "PE6 7DU" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770#webpage" }, "telephone": "01733 253243", "email": "playhouse@helpstonplayhouse.com", "sameAs": [ "https://helpstonplayhouse.org.uk/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 52.635017, "longitude": -0.349515 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "PETERBOROUGH" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 5 }, "award": "Ofsted: Outstanding", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 2, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Emma Wright" }, "reviewBody": "So lucky to have this little gem on our doorstep. The staff are so warm and caring, the range of activities the children get involved with constantly amazes me, and most important of all, my sons have loved it. Sad that the youngest will soon be moving on from the preschool, but they'll both be sticking around for the out of school club!", "datePublished": "2022-06-07T19:12:22.825029Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lucy Owen" }, "datePublished": "2022-04-01T21:00:21.734368Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770#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": "Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What size of nursery is Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives has 92 children on roll." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are meals handled at the setting?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children are offered breakfast club, preschool, and out of school club provision, and healthy food choices are part of daily learning. The setting also includes meal-related charges for breakfast club sessions and late pick-up fees, with invoices issued termly and payments taken monthly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded childcare entitlements are accepted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Accepted funding includes 15 hours universal funding for 3- and 4-year-olds, 30 hours for working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds, 15 hours for disadvantaged 2-year-olds, and Tax-Free Childcare." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives rated by Ofsted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery is rated Outstanding, following the inspection on 2 November 2021." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does the team specialise in?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff are described as highly reflective practitioners with a strong leadership team and a well-sequenced curriculum. They support children through rich conversations, stories, songs, and rhymes, while also helping with early maths, communication, and individual support needs." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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. Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives # Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Outstanding (Nov 2021) · 5.0 (2 parent reviews) · West Street, Helpston, PETERBOROUGH, PE6 7DU · Peterborough Number of places 20 places Age range 2–5 yrs Last inspected Nov 2021 Local authority Peterborough 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 Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives offers high-quality childcare and education, aiming to provide children with the best possible start in life within a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. The playhouse supports children in developing confidence, knowledge, and skills essential for thriving. It operates as a Preschool and Out of School Club, working collaboratively with families to enhance the well-being, inclusion, and positive developmental outcomes for all children. Helpston Playhouse has received an "outstanding" rating from Ofsted and currently has availability in its Preschool, Breakfast Club, and Out of School Club during term time. The setting is committed to fostering a love of nature and offers experiences like Forest School. The staff are described by parents as kind, patient, and possessing "super-powers," helping children to blossom and become confident individuals. Parents frequently praise the engaging activities, particularly outdoor play, that the playhouse provides, distinguishing it from other settings. Our ethos Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives is committed to fostering a love of nature and offers Forest School experiences. They aim to provide children with the best possible start in life, developing their confidence, knowledge, and essential skills within a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. The playhouse actively collaborates with families to enhance children's well-being and positive developmental outcomes. What it's like Children thrive at this excellent pre-school, arriving confidently and eager to start the day. They display exceptional behaviour, showing respect for others and taking responsibility for their environment. Children are confident talkers and actively participate in learning about sustainability and healthy living. Ofsted Outstanding Forest School Term-time only Wrap Around Care ## Pricing & funding Fees are structured hourly for pre-school sessions and out-of-school clubs, with distinct age bands for ages two and three plus. Breakfast clubs are charged per child. Invoices are issued termly with payments split into monthly installments. Funding accepted 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds Tax-Free Childcare Good to know - Invoices are issued termly with payments made monthly. - Accepts Childcare Vouchers, Tax-Free Childcare, and early years government funding. - Offers 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week, subject to availability. - Late pick-up fees apply after 5:30pm. ## Key facts Opening hours We offer outstanding childcare available from 7:30am until 5:30am Session types Early Bird Breakfast Club, Breakfast Club, Pre-School, Out of School Club Term time / All Year Term Time Established 1972 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives Last inspected 2 November 2021 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 thrive at this excellent pre-school, arriving confidently and eager to start the day. They display exceptional behaviour, showing respect for others and taking responsibility for their environment. Children are confident talkers and actively participate in learning about sustainability and healthy living. Inspector highlights - Leadership is extremely strong with a clear vision and well-sequenced curriculum. - Staff are highly reflective practitioners, continuously improving learning experiences. - Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with additional funding are exceptionally well supported. - Staff engage children in meaningful conversations, stories, songs, and rhymes, fostering rich vocabulary and confident communication. - Staff expertly weave mathematical language and concepts into play, helping children develop early maths skills. - Children learn how to keep themselves healthy and safe, understanding healthy food choices and engaging in active play, while staff help them manage risks. Inspection #10072715 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50173095) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > Parents are very positive about the pre-school and staff. They state that their children's needs are well met and that staff have provided useful information to help them understand how to support their child's learning. Parents feel very well informed about their child's day. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children in receipt of additional funding are exceptionally well supported. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to identify where additional support will help the individual child, reviewing their progress to ensure effectiveness. Recent funding has been used insightfully and has successfully enhanced children's communication and language development. Outdoor space Children take responsibility for helping to keep the environment safe for their friends, raking and collecting fallen leaves for the composting bin, and learning that compost helps plants grow. They plant, nurture, and harvest a wide range of fruit, herbs, and vegetables with staff. Children count and identify the numbers of stepping logs in the garden when they investigate creatures found under them, and learn about taking measured risks when climbing trees or using the climbing frame. ## Parent Reviews of Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives 5.0 (2) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLsbaXEJtjY34IdI5FinximJorWCoajODtuKfRDZnCWhC9WXA=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Emma Wright 3 years ago So lucky to have this little gem on our doorstep. The staff are so warm and caring, the range of activities the children get involved with constantly amazes me, and most important of all, my sons have loved it. Sad that the youngest will soon be moving on from the preschool, but they'll both be sticking around for the out of school club! [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNPdXBpSXlBRRAB!2m1!1s0x4877f48b9c8db7dd:0x4b1b5a0b29eee3bf) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKhOTGvCeSywso8PS7A-_Mt-ptG6CPevOQNMXDHiARHrB7U7Q=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Lucy Owen 4 years ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURXX2JUai13RRAB!2m1!1s0x4877f48b9c8db7dd:0x4b1b5a0b29eee3bf) Reviews from Google for Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5412018381210444735&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2021 - November 2021 Outstanding - March 2016 Good - March 2009 Outstanding ## Frequently asked about Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives ### What size of nursery is Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives? ### How are meals handled at the setting? ### Which funded childcare entitlements are accepted? ### How was Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives rated by Ofsted? ### What does the team specialise in? ## Nearby day nurseries in PETERBOROUGH Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives. - [ Ofsted: Good 1.8 mi ### First Steps Nursery Peterborough · PE6 9HA ](/nursery/first-steps-nursery-pe6-9ha-ey423564) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.7 mi ### Sunflower Seed Preschool Peterborough · PE6 9BN ](/nursery/sunflower-seed-preschool-pe6-9bn-2504496) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.2 mi ### Busy Bees at Deeping St James Peterborough · PE6 8EH ](/nursery/treetops-caterpillar-pe6-8eh-ey380553) - [ Awaiting first inspection 3.2 mi ### Carousel Day Nursery Peterborough · PE6 8HA 5.0(13 reviews) ](/nursery/carousel-day-nursery-pe6-8ha-2815756) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.4 mi ### Jungle Tots Day Nursery Peterborough · PE3 8SB 5.0(29 reviews) ](/nursery/jungle-tots-day-nursery-pe3-8sb-2560857) - [ Awaiting first inspection 3.4 mi ### Tiny Steps Nursery and Pre-School Peterborough · PE4 6NB ](/nursery/tiny-steps-nursery-and-pre-school-pe4-6nb-2782518) [See all nurseries in PETERBOROUGH →](/search?q=PETERBOROUGH) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives Inspection date Nov 2021 Inspection no. 10072715 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50173095)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/256770) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://helpstonplayhouse.org.uk/) West Street, Helpston, PETERBOROUGH, PE6 7DU Loading map… ## Explore day nurseries near PETERBOROUGH - [Day nurseries in PETERBOROUGH](/search?q=PETERBOROUGH) - [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=helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details. [Claim listing](/claim?nursery=helpston-playhouse-and-under-fives-pe6-7du-256770) ### Share this nursery Send to a partner, friend or family member. Copy link[](https://wa.me/?text=Helpston%20Playhouse%20and%20Under%20Fives%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice%20https%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk "Share on WhatsApp")[](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/send?link=https%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk&app_id=140586622674265&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk "Share on Messenger")[](mailto:?subject=Helpston%20Playhouse%20and%20Under%20Fives&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20this%20nursery%3A%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk "Share on Email")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk "Share on Facebook")[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Helpston%20Playhouse%20and%20Under%20Fives%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk "Share on X")[](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk "Share on LinkedIn")[](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk&title=Helpston%20Playhouse%20and%20Under%20Fives "Share on Reddit")[](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnurseryadvice.co.uk&text=Helpston%20Playhouse%20and%20Under%20Fives%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.