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Milldene Playgroup

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2024)
·69a Barbrook Lane, Tiptree, COLCHESTER, CO5 0JH · Essex
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2024
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

Milldene Playgroup is a non-profit registered charity preschool focused on providing a child-centred environment where learning happens through play. The playgroup emphasises giving children opportunities to explore new experiences, take appropriate risks, and build confidence within a fun and secure setting.

They actively promote independence, resilience, and persistence, helping children develop social skills, foster high self-esteem, and learn to care for themselves and others. Milldene Playgroup is an inclusive setting that addresses each child's unique and individual needs, utilising a positive and nurturing approach to support their progress.

Both of Tiptree Preschool Playgroup locations, Milldene and Baynards, are registered to receive government grants and are regularly inspected by OFSTED, having achieved an overall rating of "GOOD" in their latest inspections, reports for which are available for parents to download.

Our ethos

Milldene Playgroup is committed to a child-centred environment where learning occurs through play. They focus on providing children with opportunities to explore, take risks, and build confidence, fostering independence, resilience, and self-esteem. The playgroup utilises a positive and nurturing approach to support each child's individual needs.

What it's like

Children are happy and enjoy their time in the setting, making good use of the well-resourced outdoor area that reflects their interests and learning needs. They are curious and develop positive attitudes towards learning, engaging in conversations about topics like dinosaurs. Leaders have a clear curriculum that enables staff to plan fun and interesting activities, promoting children's participation in group activities.

Child-centred learningLearning through playNon-profit charityInclusive settingOFSTED "GOOD" rated

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured around hourly rates, with different tiers for bookings of nine hours or fewer versus longer days. An early start option is available for an extra charge. Voluntary fees are requested to cover meals, consumables like nappies, and additional services, which can be packaged as a single session charge.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • An early start at 8.40 am is available for an additional fee.
  • Voluntary charges apply for meals, consumables, and additional services.
  • Voluntary charges can be paid as a combined total per session.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 3pm; Friday: 9am - 2pm (with an optional 8:40am start for an additional fee)

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

Morning only option available

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Milldene Playgroup

Last inspected 24 September 2024

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 happy and enjoy their time in the setting, making good use of the well-resourced outdoor area that reflects their interests and learning needs. They are curious and develop positive attitudes towards learning, engaging in conversations about topics like dinosaurs. Leaders have a clear curriculum that enables staff to plan fun and interesting activities, promoting children's participation in group activities.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are happy and enjoy their time in the setting.
  • Children make good use of the well-resourced outdoor area, which reflects their interests and learning needs.
  • Leaders have developed a clear curriculum for all children, enabling staff to shape their teaching and plan fun and interesting activities.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those in receipt of additional funding are well supported.
  • Partnerships with parents are strong, and parents are extremely pleased with their children's progress.

Areas to develop

  • 1The provider should support staff to use planned strategies to help children understand the structure and routines of the day to help them feel secure.
Inspection #10359228 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents say that any questions or queries are answered swiftly and comprehensively.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those in receipt of additional funding are well supported. Staff work closely with outside professionals to ensure that children have appropriate support in place. Leaders ensure that additional funding the setting receives is used to meet individual needs and enhance outcomes for children effectively.

Outdoor space

Children make good use of the well-resourced outdoor area, which reflects their interests and learning needs. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

Inspection history

Date: October 2009

  • September 2024Good
  • January 2019Good
  • June 2015Good
  • October 2009Good

Frequently asked about Milldene Playgroup

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