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LITTLE CHESTNUTS PRE-SCHOOL

Ofsted: Good
(May 2024)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·Post Office, Village Hall, Halstead, CO9 4DR · Essex
Number of places
26 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2024
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

Little Chestnuts Pre-School, established in 1975, is a charitable organisation nestled in the charming village of Toppesfield, North Essex. The pre-school prides itself on fostering children's development and learning through engaging activities tailored to their age and stage.

They offer a diverse range of enrichment programmes, including weekly yoga, outdoor discovery sessions focused on nature and gardening, cooking club, and dance classes. The pre-school actively involves its community, encouraging parental participation in fundraising efforts to enhance resources for the children.

They also collaborate with local primary schools for afterschool care. The dedicated team, led by manager Andrea, who has over 30 years of childcare experience, is committed to providing a welcoming environment where every child can thrive and explore the world around them.

What it's like

Children are eager to enter the pre-school, happily leaving their parents and settling quickly into activities. They demonstrate growing independence by managing their belongings. Staff provide a calm environment where children are encouraged to express feelings, fostering trusting relationships.

Charity-basedCommunity-focussedOutdoor learningYoga and Dance

Pricing & funding

Charges are calculated on an hourly basis for non-funded hours, supplemented by small weekly charges for specific activities, snacks, and materials. A daily fee applies for nursery-provided lunches, and a voluntary donation is requested towards consumables.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Good to know

  • Parents can choose to provide a packed lunch instead of paying for the nursery lunch.
  • A voluntary donation is requested to help support extra activities and consumables.
  • Separate weekly fees are charged for dance classes, outside learning, consumables, and snacks.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday - Friday 8:30am-3pm (Preschool), Monday - Thursday 3:15pm-5:15pm (Afterschool club)

Age range

2 through to rising 5 year olds

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2022

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for LITTLE CHESTNUTS PRE-SCHOOL

Last inspected 8 May 2024 · Shelly McDougall

Safeguarding effective
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 are eager to enter the pre-school, happily leaving their parents and settling quickly into activities. They demonstrate growing independence by managing their belongings. Staff provide a calm environment where children are encouraged to express feelings, fostering trusting relationships.

Inspector highlights

  • Children demonstrate their growing independence as they hang up their coats and put their lunch boxes away on the rack provided.
  • Children behave exceptionally well and have formed good friendships with each other.
  • The manager designs her curriculum to reflect the current interests of the children and to consider what it is that the children need to learn next.
  • Children clearly enjoy the time in the garden, and staff plan the outdoor environment to help children develop their gross motor skills.
  • Staff promote children's interest in books and stories, reading books to children throughout the day.

Areas to develop

  • 1guide staff in supporting children who may have less confidence than others to be able to share their thoughts and ideas during group activities
  • 2strengthen the monitoring of staff practice to help promote consistently high-quality teaching.
Inspection #10343221 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The manager designs her curriculum to reflect the current interests of the children and to consider what it is that the children need to learn next. This helps all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Children clearly enjoy the time in the garden. Staff plan the outdoor environment to help children develop their gross motor skills. Children spend time climbing up the steps on the small slide and slide down with confidence. Staff introduce new words to children, such as 'antenna', when they are looking at bugs and insects in the outdoor environment.

Parent Reviews of LITTLE CHESTNUTS PRE-SCHOOL

5.0
(2)
Reece Hatton
9 years ago

A brilliant village pre school ,with loads of indoor and outdoor space,a great team of dedicated staff who make all children feel welcome. Learning is fun, and they believe in child led play,which makes it a great place to be.

Read on Google
Emma Parson
9 years ago

Fantastic caring and nurturing pre-school for children aged 2 to rising 5's in a pretty village setting - perfect environment for children to develop and thrive!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for LITTLE CHESTNUTS PRE-SCHOOL. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

8 May 2024

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

Frequently asked about LITTLE CHESTNUTS PRE-SCHOOL

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