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Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Mar 2024)
·C/0 Horns Mill Primary School, Denbigh Close, Frodsham, WA6 0ED · Cheshire West and Chester
Number of places
36 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Mar 2024
Local authority
Cheshire West and Chester

About this day nursery

Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO, established in 1984 by Sue Huntbach and Marje Rimmer, provides term-time childcare and early years education for children aged 2-4. The pre-school operates from 9 am to 3 pm and holds an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating, maintained since 2009.

The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, supplemented by their own educational programme designed to foster each child's individual development. The pre-school prides itself on being an inclusive setting, experienced in caring for children with complex needs.

It also offers wrap-around care, including a Breakfast Club starting at 7:30 am and an After School Club until 6 pm, catering to both pre-schoolers and children from Horn's Mill Primary School. The dedicated team is committed to supporting every child in reaching their full potential.

Our ethos

The pre-school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, enhanced by a unique educational programme focused on nurturing each child's individual development. They are committed to supporting every child in reaching their full potential and pride themselves on being an inclusive setting experienced in caring for children with complex needs.

What it's like

The Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO provides an outstanding learning environment due to its meticulously planned curriculum and staff's excellent understanding of child development. Children's interests are paramount, leading to their deep engagement in play and highly positive attitudes towards learning. The setting also strongly promotes children's emotional security and independence, preparing them thoroughly for their next educational stage.

Established 1984Outstanding Ofsted rating since 2009Inclusive setting for complex needsWrap-around care available

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured around an hourly rate for pre-school sessions, with optional breakfast and afterschool club bookings. Additional charges apply for school dinners, uniform items, and specific meal supplements for funded children.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Pre-school hourly rates apply from September 2025.
  • Breakfast club charges are reduced for arrivals after 8:30 am.
  • Afterschool club rates are tiered based on duration (up to 1, 1.5, or 3 hours).
  • Breakfast and tea supplements apply specifically to children on the 30 hours funding scheme.
  • Uniform items (polo shirts and jumpers) and school dinners are charged separately.

Key facts

Opening hours

9am-3pm (Pre-School), 7:30am-6pm (Wrap-around care)

Age range

2-4 years old

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO

Last inspected 14 March 2024 · Marianne McDowell

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

The Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO provides an outstanding learning environment due to its meticulously planned curriculum and staff's excellent understanding of child development. Children's interests are paramount, leading to their deep engagement in play and highly positive attitudes towards learning. The setting also strongly promotes children's emotional security and independence, preparing them thoroughly for their next educational stage.

Inspector highlights

  • The attention to detail in this incredibly well-organised and purposeful pre-school is second to none.
  • Leaders embed a meticulously planned and ambitious curriculum, securely rooted in the knowledge of how children learn.
  • Children's emotional security is promoted exceptionally well by staff, who act as excellent role models.
  • The management team are highly attuned to the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
  • Staff promote a love of reading by sharing stories with children and referencing these during play.
Inspection #10312251 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The management team is highly attuned to the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They actively partner with external professionals to ensure swift additional support and go above and beyond to identify specific training courses for staff. This dedicated approach ensures children with SEND are exceptionally well-included and make excellent progress.

Outdoor space

The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning.

Inspection history

Date: April 2018

  • March 2024Outstanding
  • April 2018Outstanding

Frequently asked about Horn's Mill Pre-School CIO

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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