Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8.30am until 5.30pm
Letterbox Nursery
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Apr 2023)
Number of places
40 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2023
Local authority
Essex
About this day nursery
Letterbox Nursery, established in 2008, offers an exceptionally friendly and inclusive environment for children aged 1 to 4 years. 30pm during term-time, the nursery was rated Outstanding by Ofsted on 24 April 2023.
The provider, manager, and staff share a strong and caring ethos, ensuring children are at the heart of everything they do. Children thrive, showing confidence, resilience, and independence through challenging tasks.
The nursery offers a wealth of innovative learning experiences, including beach walks, swimming, library visits, and community encounters with local professionals like fire and police officers. The curriculum is meticulously planned and stimulating, building on children's individual starting points and interests.
Staff are highly attentive to individual needs and provide highly effective support for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The manager, who is also the SEND coordinator, is particularly conscientious in seeking early interventions and collaborating with other professionals to help children achieve their full potential.
Children's behaviour is exceptional; they learn to manage their feelings and resolve conflicts cooperatively. Parents are actively involved in their children's learning and speak highly of the "fantastic" staff and the exceptional progress their children make.
The outdoor garden provides opportunities for children to enjoy playing with ride-on toys. The dedicated team ensures a highly enjoyable nursery experience and the best possible start to early education.
What it's like
Children thrive in this exceptionally friendly and inclusive nursery. The provider, manager and staff have an exceedingly strong and caring ethos that puts children at the centre of everything they do. Children show that they feel extremely happy, settled and secure in the nursery.
Outstanding leadershipInnovative learning experiencesHighly effective SEND supportExceptional behaviourStrong parent partnershipCommunity engagement
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Key facts
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Letterbox Nursery
Last inspected 24 April 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 thrive in this exceptionally friendly and inclusive nursery. The provider, manager and staff have an exceedingly strong and caring ethos that puts children at the centre of everything they do. Children show that they feel extremely happy, settled and secure in the nursery.
Inspector highlights
- Children thrive in an exceptionally friendly and inclusive nursery environment.
- Children enjoy a wealth of innovative and inspiring learning experiences, including beach walks, swimming, library visits, and community encounters.
- The support for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, is highly effective.
- Children's behaviour is exceptional; they learn to manage their feelings and resolve conflicts cooperatively.
- The manager demonstrates excellent leadership, values the staff team, and is committed to providing the best early years experiences.
Inspection #10280134 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The support for all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, is highly effective. The manager, who is also the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator, is extremely conscientious in seeking appropriate early interventions and works closely with other professionals to help all children achieve their full potential. She closely monitors children in receipt of additional funding to ensure it benefits them most effectively.
Outdoor space
Children who do not have gardens thoroughly enjoy playing with the ride-on toys in the nursery garden.
Parent Reviews of Letterbox Nursery
5.0
(1)
Kristian Sawkins
2 months ago
As a parent, letting your child being looked after by others is always a nervous and daunting feeling. But here at letterbox they have been amazing, my child is always so happy to be there and always given updates, I have peace of mind knowing my child is safe and learning! I highly praise the nursery and the whole team!
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Letterbox Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2023
Date: February 2014
- April 2023Outstanding
- September 2017Good
- March 2014Good
- February 2014Requires improvement
Frequently asked about Letterbox Nursery
About the setting
Letterbox Nursery registered in 2008. The nursery employs eight members of childcare staff, with seven holding an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 and above. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, during school term time, from 8.30am until 5.30pm. It provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.
- URN
- EY369169
- Registered person
- Elm Barns Ltd
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
- Previous rating
- Good
Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.
Claim listingShare this nursery
Send to a partner, friend or family member.
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