Ramsden Preschool
OutstandingBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in Billericay for children from birth to 8+, open 8am to 6pm. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in June 2024. Open since 1999, with 34 places.
What you might pay
This setting does not publish its fees, and no national dataset holds them. This is what childcare costs across the council, as a starting point for the call.
What childcare usually costs in Essex
This is not this setting's price. It is the median hourly fee across all providers in Essex from the Department for Education's 2025 provider survey. No national data holds what an individual nursery charges, so ring and ask.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
CM11 1HXWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 12 June 2024 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children are at the centre of this exquisite pre-school. Leaders and staff create a captivating and inviting environment that sparks children's curiosity and sense of discovery. Children arrive very happy, separate well from their parents and become deeply engrossed in this enriching learning provision with support from very nurturing staff. For example, children are fascinated to learn about the life cycle of a duck. They have meaningful opportunities to observe how the eggs hatch and the ducklings come to life. Knowledgeable staff inspire children to learn more about where ducks live and what they eat, as well as noticing their distinctive features, such as colour and size. In addition, staff guide children to be kind and gentle towards all living things. This helps build on children's understanding of the world, while extending their life experiences.
Staff are warm and supportive. They have high expectations of children, and they rise to the challenge exceptionally well. Children behave well and have a positive attitude to learning. For example, at snack time, staff encourage children to make their own healthy choices, pour their own drinks and assist with cutting the fruits.
As a result, children acquire skills that are needed to become independent and resilient learners. They show high levels of respect and consideration towards their peers and staff. Knowledgeable staff value children's achievements and praise them for their efforts. This helps children feel involved and appreciated during their time at this pre-school, building on their emotional resilience, confidence and selfesteem.
- 12 June 2024Outstanding
- 12 July 2018Outstanding
- 9 November 2015Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Ramsden Preschool
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.