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Rocking Horse Nursery in Harlow

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2025)
·Stables St. Nicholas School, Hillingdon House, Harlow, CM17 0NJ · Essex
Number of places
47 places
Age range
1–3 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2025
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

Rocking Horse Nursery, nestled within the picturesque grounds of Saint Nicholas School, offers a nurturing 'home-from-home' environment for babies from three months old up to three years. The nursery, a converted farmhouse and stable block, boasts ample green space, including a dedicated play area and extensive grounds for children to explore.

The highly trained and dedicated staff prioritise individualised care through a key person system, designed to foster strong relationships and ensure each child's unique needs are met. The nursery utilises the Blossom app to keep parents informed of their child's developmental progress and achievements, facilitating seamless communication and invoicing.

Structured into three distinct rooms—Foals (3-18 months), Paddock (18 months-2 years), and Stables/Meadow (2-3+ years)—children transition between groups as they reach developmental milestones, fully supported by their key person. The curriculum is guided by 'Birth to Five Matters,' ensuring age-appropriate activities that encourage progress from each child's starting point.

What it's like

Children enjoy their time at Rocking Horse Nursery, quickly settling in due to a robust key-person approach and warm, nurturing care from staff. The bright and airy rooms provide a home-from-home feel, fostering a comfortable and relaxed approach to play and learning. Staff utilise their deep knowledge of each child to offer personalised support and next steps in their development.

Countryside settingKey person approachBlossom app for parents

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

7:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round (excluding public holidays and Christmas closure)

Age range

3 months to 3 years+

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Rocking Horse Nursery

Last inspected 16 April 2025

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children enjoy their time at Rocking Horse Nursery, quickly settling in due to a robust key-person approach and warm, nurturing care from staff. The bright and airy rooms provide a home-from-home feel, fostering a comfortable and relaxed approach to play and learning. Staff utilise their deep knowledge of each child to offer personalised support and next steps in their development.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff identify early what children can do and plan appropriate learning experiences.
  • Support for disadvantaged children is effective, with leaders and staff identifying and addressing learning gaps in partnership with others.
  • Staff effectively support the youngest children in developing language skills through engaging interactions, songs, stories, and rhymes.
  • Physical development is promoted for all children, with encouragement for core strength, balance, and an awareness of personal safety while using equipment.
  • Leaders have high standards and constantly review practice and procedures, welcoming feedback to develop the curriculum and care practices.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to provide meaningful experiences for all children to help them learn about their culture and those of others, to support their understanding of similarities and differences.
Inspection #10380247 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents say they feel welcome and fully supported by leaders and staff.

Parents feel that leaders are approachable and respond well to concerns.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Leaders have high expectations for all children and seek support from the local authority and other professionals to tailor support for individual children, ensuring that gaps in progress are closing. Leaders and staff quickly identify when there are gaps in children's learning and development, working in partnership with others to ensure individual plans support children to make progress.

Outdoor space

Children benefit from outdoor experiences, including visits to see ducks and goats, exploring school grounds and nature in the muddy area. Staff engage children in outdoor wonders, encouraging them to throw twigs and leaves and make mud soup, while also fostering imaginary journeys in a play wooden rowing boat.

Inspection history

Date: April 2025

  • May 2025Good
  • April 2025Good

Frequently asked about Rocking Horse Nursery

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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