Whitehouse Playgroup Preschool
GoodBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in Southend on Sea for children from birth to 8+, open 08:30 to 15:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in September 2025. Open since 1998, with 25 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
SS9 5SJWhat 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, 29 September 2025 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children flourish at this warm and inviting pre-school. Clear routines support smooth transitions and emotional security. Staff use a range of songs, rhymes and timers to signal changes, such as tidy up or handwashing time. This helps children understand what to expect and feel safe and confident in their daily routines. Staff nurture emotional well-being through positive relationships and gentle guidance.
For example, feelings are explored in stories, and staff help children identify emotions, such as sad or happy. Babies are supported through calm, caring and responsive interactions. This supports children to learn about empathy, kindness and emotional regulation.
The curriculum is implemented through rich, hands-on experiences that promote curiosity, independence and a love of learning. Staff skilfully use everyday play and outdoor learning to develop children's skills. For example, children enjoy activities such as ball and conker rolling, potion making and leaf printing. This helps them explore colours, textures and natural changes through the seasons. Staff narrate play, use descriptive language and ask open questions to extend thinking. As a result, children become confident explorers, who think critically. They use rich language and show persistence and pride in their learning. Children make good progress from their starting points and show deep curiosity about the world around them.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- enhance the already good support for children with SEND by extending the use of individualised strategies and tools to ensure all children can fully participate and remain engaged in learning.
- 29 September 2025Good Safeguarding: Yes
- 26 November 2019Good
- 9 March 2016Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Whitehouse Playgroup 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.