LISTED: Six of the best schools with ‘outstanding’ nurseries in south Essex

Choosing a pre-school or a nursery can be an incredibly difficult decision for parents or guardians.

In an effort to help, we have listed six schools with "outstanding" rated nurseries and pre-schools in south Essex.

The "outstanding" rating has been given by Ofsted - the government's education watchdog.

1. Blenheim Primary School, in School Way, Leigh:

Inspection date: January 2020. Rated "outstanding" in early years provision.

The report stated: "Teaching activities in early years are focused well on knowledge, skills and understanding, and expectations are high. The range of activities on offer is extensive. Children build on what they have learned before. They take on new challenges. Highly motivated, confident children delight in the opportunity to discuss their learning."

According to the Ofsted report, there are children from aged three onwards.

2. Westwood Academy, in Beresford Close, Hadleigh:

Inspection date: December 2017. Rated "outstanding" in early years provision.

The report stated: The proportion of children who achieve a good level of development at the end of the early years is consistently above the national average. The children make excellent progress from their starting points."

According to the Ofsted report, there are children from aged two onwards.

3. Glenwood School, in Rushbottom Lane, Thundersley:

Inspection date: December 2018. Rated "outstanding" in early years provision.

The report stated: "In the early years outstanding teaching supported by excellent planning enables children to make very rapid progress and settle into their routines extremely smoothly."

According to the Ofsted report, there are children from aged three onwards.

4. The Wickford Church of England School, in Mount Road, Wickford:

Inspection date: December 2023. Rated "outstanding" in early years provision.

The report stated: "Teachers have an in-depth knowledge of the subjects they teach. They use this to plan well-thought-through, highly effective sequences of lessons. This ensures that all pupils, from early years to Year 2, make very strong progress in all subjects."

According to the Ofsted report, there are children from aged two onwards.

5. Lee Chapel Primary School, in The Knares, Basildon:

Inspection date: November 2023. Rated "outstanding" in early years provision.

The report stated: "Education at this school is truly exceptional. The school is remarkably well led at all levels. School leaders, trustees and governors are extremely aspirational for all pupils."

According to the Ofsted report, there are children from aged two onwards.

6. The Pioneer School, in Ghyllgrove, Basildon:

Inspection date: May 2019. Rated "outstanding" in early years provision.

The report stated: Children start exceptionally well in the Nursery and Reception classes. Transition arrangements are carefully and thoughtfully planned so that parents are confident their child is well looked after and cared for. Children are happy, with their individual needs precisely and consistently met. The quality of teaching and learning in the nursery is excellent."

According to the Ofsted report, there are children from aged three onwards.