Food
Two fully trained chefs prepare healthy meals from various cultures. Uses local butchers and fresh produce from London Markets. Meals are included in private daily/hourly rates.
Lexden Lodge Kindergarten
Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2022)
Number of places
125 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2022
Local authority
Essex
About this day nursery
Lexden Lodge Kindergarten is a family-operated independent day nursery that has been delivering outstanding childcare and education since its establishment in 2005. Located in a beautifully converted three-storey Victorian building in Colchester, Essex, the nursery is conveniently situated less than a mile from the town centre, offering easy access for parents commuting or working locally.
The environment is rich with natural and stimulating resources, focusing on a child-centred approach that encourages individual growth and development. The highly trained staff implement an ambitious Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, tailored to children's interests and developmental stages, fostering independence, learning through play, and community experiences.
The nursery is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring setting for children under five, with secure grounds, advanced security measures, and age-appropriate equipment. Lexden Lodge Kindergarten boasts a strong reputation within the childcare community, backed by numerous awards and accreditations, and prides itself on preparing children for their future educational journeys.
Our ethos
Our Values at Lexden Lodge Kindergarten will always be a family-orientated business. We endorse a learning through play philosophy with adults supporting and encouraging children’s natural desire to learn. We shall always offer a safe, nurturing, and inspirational environment for our children.
What it's like
Children enter the kindergarten confidently and are greeted by smiling staff. They are encouraged to develop their independence from a very early age, including self-choice in play, serving meals, and clearing away. Children are kind and caring towards each other, and staff use positive language to build confidence and self-esteem.
Family-run independent nurseryEYFS curriculumVictorian building settingAccredited by Day Nurseries AssociationAfter School and Holiday Clubs
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged hourly for additional hours beyond standard bookings, with rates structured by age band. Meals can be purchased individually or as a full-day package via voluntary consumable charges. Private daily and hourly rates include all meals and services.
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)Tax-Free Childcare
Good to know
- Private daily and hourly rates are inclusive of all meals.
- No extra charges are applied for materials, trips, educational visits, or special events.
- Alternative options will be discussed for families unable to meet voluntary consumable meal charges.
Key facts
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6pm.
Age range
9 months to 11 years (nursery to holiday club)
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2005
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Lexden Lodge Kindergarten
Last inspected 17 October 2022
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children enter the kindergarten confidently and are greeted by smiling staff. They are encouraged to develop their independence from a very early age, including self-choice in play, serving meals, and clearing away. Children are kind and caring towards each other, and staff use positive language to build confidence and self-esteem.
Inspector highlights
- Children are encouraged to develop their independence from a very early age.
- Children are kind and caring towards each other, and staff use consistently positive language.
- Managers and staff have worked hard to improve the provision and outcomes for children since the last inspection.
- Parents speak highly of the staff and management team.
- Children engage in a wide range of activities during their kindergarten day, including developing an understanding of numbers and mathematical concepts.
Areas to develop
- 1monitor and further develop interactions between staff and children to raise the quality of teaching and learning to a consistently high level
- 2review the provision for children to freely express themselves, for example, through creative play, to promote and spark their imagination.
Inspection #10243195 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Some say that they cannot fault any aspect of the kindergarten and believe that their children benefit greatly from their early years experiences.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
The inspectors observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.
Parent Reviews of Lexden Lodge Kindergarten
4.7
(15)
Selina Mann
a year ago
They good staff look friendly and kind and nice also all the room look good and the environment safe. My son enjoys everything with friends and the staff there, but he was sadness leaves, and miss them. Good luck. I wish you all the best in the future.
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Andrii Lisnevskyi
7 months ago
Very nice nursery. I don’t know how they manage with my son, but they’re doing a great job.
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amra hasanovic
4 years ago
Wonderful nursery! My son loves being at the Penguin group. There’s always lovely staff to talk to and he always looks so happy when I pick him up. Good work girls!
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Christen Avent
4 years ago
My daughter absolutely loves Lexden Lodge. The Penguins staff are so friendly, my daughters face lights up the moment she see's them! I feel so comfortable leaving her with such a phenomenal team of ladies and am extremely grateful for the love and care they show my child each day she's there.
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Joanne Baker
4 years ago
My daughter has been in Penguins for 9months now & her development has come on at such a rate I have nothing but praise for the ladies who run the Penguins room. They're fun, loving & extremely invested in their work & the children in their room. Thank you!
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Lexden Lodge Kindergarten. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2022
Date: December 2008
- October 2022Good
- April 2022Inadequate
- August 2017Outstanding
- September 2014Good
- December 2008Outstanding
Frequently asked about Lexden Lodge Kindergarten
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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