--- title: "Small Friends Children's Day Nursery in Leigh-on-Sea" description: "Small Friends Children's Day Nursery in Leigh-on-Sea — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos 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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It also states that some fully funded and part-funded sessions are available for eligible families, alongside a published fee schedule." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What do parents value about Small Friends Children's Day Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Parents say staff get to know children and their individual personalities very well, which helps children feel safe and secure. That theme points to close relationships and strong knowledge of each child." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which curriculum approach is used at Small Friends Children's Day Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The curriculum follows a child-led approach. 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Small Friends Children's Day Nursery # Small Friends Children's Day Nursery Compare Contact 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 - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 approach Outdoor learning Brighter Learning Approach curriculum Nutritious meals prepared on-site Next 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: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50187119) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Small Friends Children's Day Nursery Inspection date May 2022 Inspection no. 10238453 Lead inspector Daniella Adams [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50187119)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY152460) 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 [ Visit website ](https://www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/leigh-on-sea/) 15 Rectory Grove, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2HA 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) [© 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#/0.6526/51.54257/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Leigh-on-Sea - [Day nurseries in Leigh-on-Sea](/search?q=Leigh-on-Sea) - [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=small-friends-children-s-day-nursery-ss9-2ha-ey152460) ## 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 2022 Outstanding - July 2015 Outstanding - June 2010 Good ## Frequently asked about Small Friends Children's Day Nursery ### How are meals and food handled at Small Friends Children's Day Nursery? ### What do parents value about Small Friends Children's Day Nursery? ### Which curriculum approach is used at Small Friends Children's Day Nursery? ### How does Small Friends Children's Day Nursery support children when they start? ### Which funded hours does Small Friends Children's Day Nursery accept? ### Does Small Friends Children's Day Nursery take babies? ## 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 ## Nearby day nurseries in Leigh-on-Sea Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Small Friends Children's Day Nursery. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Leigh Village Day Nursery Leigh-on-Sea · SS9 1SG ](/nursery/leigh-village-day-nursery-ss9-1sg-ey368849) - [ Awaiting first inspection 0.4 mi ### Active Academy - Unit 14 Leighcliff Buildings Leigh-on-Sea · SS9 1PR 5.0(10 reviews) ](/nursery/active-academy-unit-14-leighcliff-buildings-ss9-1pr-2882266) - [ Ofsted rating unavailable 0.9 mi ### Lottie & Ollie Leigh-on-Sea · SS9 2UW ](/nursery/lottie-ollie-ss9-2uw-2862951) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.9 mi ### Blenheim Early Years Leigh-on-Sea · SS9 4HX ](/nursery/blenheim-early-years-ss9-4hx-2725277) - [ Ofsted: Requires improvement 1.1 mi ### Sunshine Day Nursery 2003 Westcliff-on-Sea · SS0 0AX ](/nursery/sunshine-day-nursery-2003-ltd-ss0-0ax-ey273928) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.3 mi ### Imperial Day Nursery Westcliff-on-Sea · SS0 8NQ ](/nursery/imperial-day-nursery-ltd-ss0-8nq-ey395484) [See all nurseries in Leigh-on-Sea →](/search?q=Leigh-on-Sea) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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