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Ladybirds Pre-School

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Dec 2023)
·Village Hall, Salmons Lane, COLCHESTER, CO7 8HQ · Essex
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2023
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

Ladybirds Pre-School in Thorrington aims to provide an exceptional Early Years Education, fostering a secure and nurturing setting where children are treated with warmth, respect, and kindness. The primary focus is on the child's well-being while offering a positive learning experience that encourages individual development and progress.

The pre-school is proud to be Makaton-friendly, incorporating signing into all sessions to facilitate communication, link to themes, and accompany songs and rhymes. This approach is intended to provide a valuable communication tool for children, families, staff, and the wider community.

Located in Thorrington Village Hall since September 2011, Ladybirds is a "pack away" setting that benefits from its own secure outdoor area for year-round learning. Children also enjoy excursions to Thorrington Playing field for nature exploration, physical activities, and themed events such as Easter egg hunts and annual sports days.

The pre-school also runs a Baby and Toddler Group called "Caterpillars" every Wednesday morning during term time.

Our ethos

Ladybirds Pre-School aims to provide an exceptional Early Years Education in a secure and nurturing setting. They focus on child well-being and positive learning experiences that encourage individual development. Ladybirds is proud to be Makaton-friendly, incorporating signing into all sessions to facilitate communication for children, families, staff, and the wider community.

What it's like

Children are welcomed into this most inviting, child-friendly and inspiring environment. The staff team deliver an exciting and challenging curriculum and all children attending make rapid progress. This welcoming pre-school has been created by the highly professional, dedicated manager who is passionate in her vision and commitment to provide children with the highest quality care and education.

Makaton friendly settingSecure outdoor areaBaby and Toddler GroupOutstanding Ofsted rating

Pricing & funding

Charges are structured around morning or afternoon sessions, with rates differentiated for two-year-olds and children aged three to four. Additional fees apply for ad-hoc sessions, breakfast club, and lunchtime cover. Breakfast is included in the breakfast club fee, while parents must provide a packed lunch for lunchtime cover.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Breakfast club includes breakfast.
  • Parents must supply a healthy packed lunch and drink for lunchtime cover.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

Food

Parents to supply healthy packed lunch and drink, please.

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2011

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Ladybirds Pre-School

Last inspected 7 December 2023

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 are welcomed into this most inviting, child-friendly and inspiring environment. The staff team deliver an exciting and challenging curriculum and all children attending make rapid progress. This welcoming pre-school has been created by the highly professional, dedicated manager who is passionate in her vision and commitment to provide children with the highest quality care and education.

Inspector highlights

  • The curriculum is planned effectively around children's spontaneous interest and experiences.
  • Staff provide a language-rich environment and children readily participate in spontaneous singing and rhyming sessions.
  • Superb, professional relationships have been established with the parents who are positively encouraged to share information about their children's development.
  • Children have a strong sense of self and take responsibility, having the skills they need to be independent and make choices.
  • The manager positively encourages and facilitates staff's continuous professional development, embracing new challenges and building on her team's existing skills to enhance the service provided.
Inspection #10316828 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The pre-school special educational needs coordinator is very knowledgeable, regarding her role. Therefore, all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are supported exceptionally well and make excellent progress.

Outdoor space

Staff create an exciting outdoor environment and encourage children to prepare themselves for outdoor play; children competently put their coats and boots on with enthusiasm. Children work together as they negotiate how to make obstacle courses and large structures using planks and crates.

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2023

Date: February 2012

  • December 2023Outstanding
  • May 2018Good
  • September 2013Good
  • February 2012Good

Frequently asked about Ladybirds Pre-School

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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