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Small Friends Children's Day Nursery

Ofsted: Outstanding
(May 2022)
·15 Rectory Grove, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2HA · Southend on Sea
Number of places
60 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2022
Local authority
Southend on Sea

About this day nursery

Apricot Day Nursery, situated in St Neots, offers a nurturing and intimate environment for children's early education. Embracing the Montessori approach, the nursery prioritises individual needs and child-led learning within a home-from-home setting.

They focus on fostering cognitive, social, and physical development, aiming to boost confidence and independence, and prepare children for school through their 'Next Stop School' programme. The nursery operates across two sites, with a dedicated pre-school setting a short walk away for when children are ready to transition.

Emphasising outdoor learning, each of the three rooms benefits from its own safe, age-appropriate outdoor play area, promoting exploration in all weather. ' This approach encourages active engagement, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Additionally, the nursery provides various extracurricular clubs such as Cookery, Budding Movers, Artists, Musicians, Gardeners, and Scientists, further enriching the children's learning journey. The nursery is open 51 weeks a year, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, and offers flexible benefits to families, including not charging for food, enhancements, or consumables.

What it's like

Children absolutely thrive and flourish in this inclusive, loving nursery, embracing each other

Montessori approachOutdoor learningBrighter Learning Approach curriculumNutritious meals prepared on-siteNext Stop School programme

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request

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

Key facts

Opening hours

7:30am - 6:30pm, 51 weeks a year (Full day: 8am to 6pm, Early start: 7:30am to 8am, Late finish: 6pm to 6:30pm)

Food

Meals freshly prepared on-site, dietary preferences catered for, no charge for food or consumables

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

in 2001

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Small Friends Children's Day Nursery

Last inspected 25 May 2022 · Daniella Adams

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children absolutely thrive and flourish in this inclusive, loving nursery, embracing each other

Inspector highlights

  • The manager and staff have an excellent understanding of how children learn, tailoring their interactions to individual needs.
  • Following children's lead in play is at the heart of the curriculum, resulting in high levels of engagement and active learning.
  • Children benefit from a first-rate, skilled staff team who are excellent role models and have high expectations of themselves.
  • Staff are skilled at supporting children's emotional intelligence and well-being, helping even the youngest children manage their emotions.
  • Children acquire excellent literacy skills and communication and language skills, expanding their vocabulary to high levels.
Inspection #10238453 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment at how incredibly well staff get to know children and their individual personalities, so they feel safe and secure.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

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: June 2010

  • May 2022Outstanding
  • July 2015Outstanding
  • June 2010Good

Frequently asked about Small Friends Children's Day Nursery

About the setting

Small Friends Children's Day Nursery registered in 2001. It employs 25 members of childcare staff, with 19 holding early years qualifications at level 2 and above, and one holding early years teacher status. The nursery operates Monday to Friday all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

URN
EY152460
Registered person
Small Friends Limited
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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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