The Friary Pre-School
GoodBirth to 5Long established
A day nursery in Maldon for children from birth to 5, open 09:00 to 15:30, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in May 2023. Open since 2015, with 16 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
CM9 5FXWhat 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.
- 13 January 2025 — Concern: actions taken what Ofsted published
Ofsted inspector, 19 May 2023 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children excitedly arrive at pre-school and leave their parents with ease. They show curiosity and eagerness to learn and are keen to investigate the activities provided. Children demonstrate they are comfortable and feel safe in the childfriendly, familiar environment. They relish their time outdoors and engage in play with their friends. They have established close bonds with all the staff, who speak knowledgeably about the children attending. It is evident through conversation that they fully consider and respect children's individuality. Staff use assessment well and invest time in getting to know the children. Staff successfully plan activities and a varied curriculum around children's interests and what they need to learn next.
Children demonstrate good independence skills, as these are positively encouraged.
For example, they put their own coats and boots on in preparation for playing outdoors. They help prepare their snack as they butter toast and use tongs with skill to select vegetable sticks and fruit. Children can initiate their own play and learning as resources are accessible to them. Their creativity and early writing skills are fully supported throughout. For example, they spend time at adult-led activities, as they practise cutting using scissors and making collages and masks.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- support staff to engage children and help them to remain focused during large group activities and when preparing for lunchtime.
- 19 May 2023Good
- 16 October 2017Outstanding
Rated Good or Outstanding at 2 of the last 2 graded inspections.
Still missing for The Friary Pre-School
- 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.