A happy place to learn, play and grow in Harlow
A Friendly, nurturing pre-school care for children aged 2 to 4
Spinney Pre-School is an independent pre-school based in the grounds of Cooks Spinney in Harlow, Essex. We provide a warm, welcoming environment where children can make friends, build confidence and discover the joy of learning through play.
Every child is different, so we take time to get to know them. Our experienced team supports each child’s interests, development and individual needs, helping them feel secure, settled and ready for their next steps.
Ofsted rated Good | Ages 2–4 |
Monday to Friday, term time | Funded places available
Welcome to Spinney Pre-School
Starting pre-school is a big moment for children and their families. We want it to feel exciting, comfortable and familiar from the very beginning.
Our team welcomes children warmly each day and gives them plenty of opportunities to explore, create, talk, move and play. Some children settle straight into an activity, while others need a little more time and reassurance. We work closely with parents and carers to help each child settle at their own pace.
Ofsted highlighted this warm welcome during our February 2024 inspection, noting that children quickly settle into activities they enjoy.
Learning through play
Children learn an enormous amount when they’re busy doing something they enjoy.
A day at Spinney might include stories and songs, imaginative role play, painting, playdough, counting games, movement, outdoor play, mark-making, water and sand play or discovering more about the world around us.
Our activities support learning across the Early Years Foundation Stage, with particular attention given to communication and language, personal, social and emotional development and physical development.
We encourage children to talk, listen, ask questions, make choices and become increasingly independent. There’s room to follow their own interests too, giving them the confidence to try things for themselves.
Every child is known
Every child at Spinney has a key person who gets to know them well, including their interests, personality, strengths and areas where they may need a little extra support.
That relationship helps us plan experiences that are meaningful to each child and gives parents a familiar member of the team to speak to.
Families can also follow their child’s learning through Tapestry, where observations, photographs and moments from their learning journey can be shared. We use ClassDojo to help keep families connected with pre-school news and communication.
Meet Some Of Our Team
The people caring for your child make a huge difference to how settled, confident and happy they feel at pre-school. Our experienced team takes time to get to know each child, building warm relationships and working closely with families throughout their time at Spinney.
Fran
Supervisor
Guilila
Manager
Ilayda
Supervisor
Meet Some Of Our Team
The people caring for your child make a huge difference to how settled, confident and happy they feel at pre-school. Our experienced team takes time to get to know each child, building warm relationships and working closely with families throughout their time at Spinney.
Guilila
Manager
Fran
Supervisor
Ilayda
Supervisor
Proud to be rated Good by Ofsted
Spinney Pre-School was inspected by Ofsted in February 2024 and was rated Good for overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Inspectors found that children make good progress and recognised the support provided for children with special educational needs and disabilities, children who speak English as an additional language and children receiving additional funding.
The report also found safeguarding arrangements to be effective and described an open safeguarding culture focused on children’s needs.
“Parents praise staff’s dedication.”
Ofsted, February 2024
Helping children find their voice
Communication and language are an important part of everyday life at Spinney.
Our team uses stories, songs, conversation, games and imaginative play to encourage children to express themselves and build their vocabulary. Children have opportunities to listen, talk with adults and friends and grow in confidence as communicators.
We also value the languages children use at home. Ofsted recognised the work our team does to help children who speak English as an additional language feel included and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Working together with families
Parents and carers know their children better than anyone, so we see communication with families as part of supporting each child well.
You’re welcome to speak with your child’s key person, share things they’ve been enjoying at home and contribute to their learning journey through Tapestry. These conversations help us build a fuller picture of your child and support their development in ways that make sense for them.
During our Ofsted inspection, parents spoke positively about the dedication of the team and the progress they could see in their children’s speaking and learning.
Sessions to suit your child
Spinney Pre-School is open Monday to Friday during term time.
Morning sessions run from 8.35am to 11.35am, afternoon sessions from 12.00pm to 3.00pm, with all-day sessions also available.
We provide government-funded early education for eligible children, including funded childcare for two, three and four-year-olds and eligible 30-hour places. Full information about sessions, fees and funding can be found on our Pricing page.
Come and get to know us
Choosing a pre-school is easier when you can meet the people who’ll be caring for your child.
If you’re considering Spinney Pre-School, get in touch with our team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, talk through sessions and funding and help you find out whether Spinney is the right setting for your child.
Spinney Pre-School
Cooks Spinney
Harlow, Essex
CM20 3BW
Questions parents often ask
What age children do you accept?
Spinney Pre-School in Harlow Essex provides care and early education for children aged 2 to 4 years.
What are your opening hours?
We’re open Monday to Friday during term time. Morning sessions run from 8.35am to 11.35am, afternoon sessions from 12.00pm to 3.00pm, and all-day sessions are also available.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes. Spinney can claim government funding for eligible 2-year-olds and 3- and 4-year-olds, including eligible 30-hour funded places. We can help you understand what funding may be available for your child.
How much does pre-school cost?
The current stated fee is £6.00 per hour for paid sessions, with a £1 per week snack contribution. Families using funded all-day hours can also pay an additional £3 per day for collection at 3pm. I’d make sure these figures are checked with Spinney before publishing, as fees can change.
Will my child have a key person?
Yes. Every child is allocated a key person who gets to know their interests, needs and development and works closely with their family throughout their time at Spinney.
Can you support children with additional needs?
Yes. The setting has SENCO responsibilities within the team and works with families, schools and other professionals. Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, children who speak English as an additional language and children receiving additional funding make good progress.
Life At Spinney Pre-School
Take a glimpse into the vibrant world of our little learners! Our gallery showcases the fun, creativity, and boundless energy that fills our space every day. From playful activities to meaningful learning moments, see how we foster growth, friendships, and unforgettable memories for your child.
Why families choose Spinney
Ofsted rated Good
Good in all areas
Spinney Pre-School was rated Good by Ofsted in February 2024, including for quality of education, behaviour, personal development and leadership.
Experienced, qualified team
People you can trust
Our team brings experience across early years education, safeguarding, SEND, speech and language, and child development.
Every child is known
A dedicated key person
Every child has a key person who gets to know their interests, needs and development, while building a close relationship with their family.
Funded places available
Support with childcare costs
We offer funded early education for eligible 2-year-olds and 3- and 4-year-olds, including eligible 30-hour places.
Thinking about Spinney for your child?
Come and meet us, ask your questions and find out more about available sessions and places.
At Spinney Preschool, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued and inspired to grow. We foster curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning through play, exploration and positive relationships. We partner with families to support each child's development and help them thrive.
We pride ourselves as being unique as we are a close community and we put our children and their families at the heart of what we do.
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