The Hullbridge Preschool
OutstandingBirth to 8+Long established
A day nursery in Hockley for from 2 years up to school age, open 09:00 to 15:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in December 2023. Open since 2013, with 26 places.
What it costs
Prices change without notice. Treat these as what to ask about, not a quote.
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
SS5 6NDWhat 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, 7 December 2023 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Staff provide a wonderfully warm and welcoming environment for children. They greet their key children enthusiastically as they arrive. Vital information sharing ensures that staff provide the most effective support for children during their session. Throughout the day, children are supported by adults to feel safe and secure. For example, they receive consistent messages about safety and the
'golden rules'. As a result, children behave exceptionally well.
Children show kindness to others and listen incredibly well to staff. Sensitive and caring staff act as highly positive role models to children. This helps children to develop empathy and a secure understanding of how their choices have an impact on others. Staff encourage children to identify risks, such as when the craft materials have fallen on the floor. Children gather brushes and work busily together to sweep up the items. They show immense pride as they receive a sticker for working hard.
- 7 December 2023Outstanding
- 15 March 2018Good
- 25 February 2014Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for The Hullbridge Preschool
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Meals
- Nappies
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.
- Do you have a place for a child of my age now? 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.