--- title: "Little Darwins Nursery — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted" description: "Little Darwins Nursery in Chelmsford — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623#nursery", "name": "Little Darwins Nursery", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Rettendon School", "addressLocality": "Main Road", "postalCode": "CM3 8DW" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623#webpage" }, "telephone": "01268 769599", "email": "enquiries@littledarwins.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://www.littledarwins.co.uk/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.640059, "longitude": 0.558483 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "CHELMSFORD" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 1, "suggestedMaxAge": 5 }, "award": "Ofsted: Outstanding", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 1, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Kerry Randall" }, "reviewBody": "Would definitely recommend. All 3 of my children have gone here. Staff are wonderful and my children have really bonded with them. Really helped us through the process of getting my daughter diagnosed with autism and spotted it early, which in turn help us get help in place for when she started school", "datePublished": "2023-12-29T09:13:14.379686Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "East of England", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=East%20of%20England" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Little Darwins Nursery", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out from the last inspection at Little Darwins Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children benefit from rich learning across indoor and outdoor spaces, with activities that build physical control and curiosity. Behaviour is handled consistently, with clear expectations for respect and tolerance. Families also value the inclusive approach, and staff leadership supports a well-trained team." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the nursery support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children with special educational needs and disabilities make steady progress because staff set high expectations and work closely with families and external professionals. Individual learning plans guide support, and children take part in strong learning experiences that help them move on to the next steps in development." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did Little Darwins Nursery do at its last Ofsted inspection?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Outstanding. The inspection took place on 27/07/2023." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded childcare entitlements are accepted at Little Darwins Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts 15 hours for working parents from 9 months, 15 hours for disadvantaged two-year-olds, universal 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds, and 30 hours for working three- and four-year-olds. Tax-Free Childcare is also accepted." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the settling-in approach at Little Darwins Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A key-person approach helps children build a secure start, with staff learning each child’s needs and routines. The nursery uses planned support from the first days, so children can settle into care and begin engaging with activities at a comfortable pace." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [East of England](/search?region=East+of+England) 4. Little Darwins Nursery # Little Darwins Nursery Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Outstanding (Jul 2023) · 5.0 (1 parent reviews) · Rettendon School, Main Road, CHELMSFORD, CM3 8DW · Essex Number of places 85 places Age range 1–5 yrs Last inspected Jul 2023 Local authority Essex About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Little Darwins Nursery is an inclusive full-day care facility nestled amidst the picturesque Essex countryside, adjacent to Rettendon School. The nursery operates for 51 weeks a year, from 7 am to 6 pm, providing a nurturing 'home from home' atmosphere. Its curriculum is designed to stimulate exploration and innovation, valuing the natural world and outdoor learning experiences. The nursery champions a Hygge approach, fostering warmth, belonging, and community among children, families, and educators. Embracing each child's individuality, Little Darwins focuses on developing independent learners through a curriculum that intrigues and captivates, while also promoting physical activity and essential life skills for future transitions. They offer flexible care options, including full day care for babies from three months, short day care (9 am - 3 pm) during term-time for children aged two and above, wrap-around care for Rettendon Primary School pupils, and a holiday club open to all school-aged children. Our ethos At Little Darwins Nursery, we aim to provide an accessible environment that emphasises the outdoors and natural world. We encourage children to be explorers and innovators through a curriculum that intrigues and fascinates them. Our Hygge journey promotes warmth, belonging, and togetherness for all children, families, and educators, setting them off on the right course. We value outdoor culture, community capital, and fostering independent and active learners. What it's like Children are extremely enthusiastic and happy on arrival to the setting, feeling safe and having formed strong attachments with their key person. They are fully engaged in high-quality learning experiences planned through a well-sequenced curriculum, accessing outstanding opportunities in both indoor and outdoor environments. Children, including babies, exhibit exemplary behaviour, and are confident to explore and play while knowing an adult is nearby. Community Interest Company Hygge Approach Outdoor Culture Individualised Learning ## Pricing & funding The nursery offers funded sessions between 9am and 3pm, which incur additional daily charges for consumables. Parents can choose to purchase lunch or provide a packed lunch, and there are small daily charges for snacks and sensory materials. Full session fee rates must be requested directly. Funding accepted 15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs) 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) Tax-Free Childcare Good to know - Additional daily charges apply to funded 9am-3pm sessions. - Lunch is optional and costing £4, or a packed lunch can be provided. - Snacks are charged at £1 per day. - A voluntary donation of £1 per day is requested for cooking, sensory, and malleable materials. - Please contact the nursery directly for full session fee rates. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Little Darwins Nursery Inspection date Jul 2023 Inspection no. 10295237 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50227094)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY416623) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://www.littledarwins.co.uk/) Rettendon School, Main Road, CHELMSFORD, CM3 8DW [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/0.55848/51.64006/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near CHELMSFORD - [Day nurseries in CHELMSFORD](/search?q=CHELMSFORD) - [Day nurseries in East of England](/search?q=East+of+England) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=little-darwins-nursery-cm3-8dw-ey416623) ## Key facts Session types Full day care (7:30am-6pm, 51 weeks), Full day care (8am-5pm, 51 weeks), Short day (9am-3pm, 38 weeks), Wrap around care for school aged children (Rettendon primary school only), Holiday club for school aged children (all schools welcome) Opening hours 7am to 6pm, 51 weeks per year Age range 3 months to school age Term time / All Year All Year Established 2011 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Little Darwins Nursery Last inspected 27 July 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 extremely enthusiastic and happy on arrival to the setting, feeling safe and having formed strong attachments with their key person. They are fully engaged in high-quality learning experiences planned through a well-sequenced curriculum, accessing outstanding opportunities in both indoor and outdoor environments. Children, including babies, exhibit exemplary behaviour, and are confident to explore and play while knowing an adult is nearby. Inspector highlights - Children access outstanding learning opportunities in the well-designed indoor and outdoor environments. - Children's behaviour is exemplary, and staff promote positive behaviour, respect, and tolerance. - Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make clear and consistent progress. - Parents speak very highly about the setting and feel included. - Managers lead a highly qualified and motivated team, investing in staff well-being and training. Inspection #10295237 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50227094) Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make clear and consistent progress in their learning and development. Staff have very high expectations of the children. They work with external agencies and families to create individual learning plans for children. Children have access to high-quality learning experiences, which supports them to achieve the next steps in their learning. Outdoor space Children access outstanding learning opportunities in the well-designed indoor and outdoor environments. They use child-sized rakes to gather and move bark using their gross motor skills, and skilfully make sandcastles in the sand and use a water pump in the garden. They master a challenging obstacle course, using their hand-to-eye coordination and physical skills. ## Parent Reviews of Little Darwins Nursery 5.0 (1) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIKgnVvZy5-NAW4eSlWMIDfJ_wdDbZVKeNqaCIM-0IYpOLMiQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Kerry Randall 2 years ago Would definitely recommend. All 3 of my children have gone here. Staff are wonderful and my children have really bonded with them. Really helped us through the process of getting my daughter diagnosed with autism and spotted it early, which in turn help us get help in place for when she started school [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMxMXNqR3lnRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d8c2d7e0712e39:0x3c42dea8e223ab46) Reviews from Google for Little Darwins Nursery. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4342277807668439878&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: November 2011 - July 2023 Outstanding - December 2017 Outstanding - November 2012 Good - November 2011 Good ## Frequently asked about Little Darwins Nursery ### What stands out from the last inspection at Little Darwins Nursery? ### How does the nursery support children with SEND? ### How did Little Darwins Nursery do at its last Ofsted inspection? ### Which funded childcare entitlements are accepted at Little Darwins Nursery? ### What is the settling-in approach at Little Darwins Nursery? ## Nearby day nurseries in CHELMSFORD Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Little Darwins Nursery. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.9 mi ### Safari Childcare Runwell Runwell · SS11 7LH 4.6(10 reviews) ](/nursery/safari-childcare-runwell-limited-ss11-7lh-2712365) - [ Awaiting first inspection 0.9 mi ### Canopy St Luke's Chapel Wickford · SS11 7JJ ](/nursery/canopy-st-luke-s-chapel-ss11-7jj-2856321) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.9 mi ### Second Steps Day Nursery (Hanningfield) Chelmsford · CM3 8BH ](/nursery/second-steps-day-nursery-hanningfield-ltd-cm3-8bh-2753514) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.0 mi ### The Day Nursery Essex · SS11 8SH ](/nursery/the-day-nursery-ss11-8sh-ey367083) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.2 mi ### Small Wonders Day Nursery Chelmsford · CM3 5NH ](/nursery/small-wonders-day-nursery-cm3-5nh-ey451561) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.4 mi ### Just Imagine...Day Nursery & Out Of School Club Wickford · SS11 7AS 4.9(13 reviews) ](/nursery/just-imagine-day-nursery-out-of-school-club-ss11-7as-ey395109) [See all nurseries in CHELMSFORD →](/search?q=CHELMSFORD) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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