• “Children quickly develop the skills needed to become positive and resilient learners.”
• “Children are continually developing their communication and language skills,” confidently engaging in conversation.
• “Children have a go and try, even when they initially may struggle,” building perseverance and determination.

From hands-on science experiments exploring ice and temperature, to imaginative storytelling and rich conversations, every day is filled with awe and wonder. These joyful experiences spark curiosity, build confidence, and nurture a lifelong love of learning that carries children into School & Beyond.

Working in partnership with families is another strength recognised in the report. “Strong communication between staff and parents” ensures children benefit from consistent care and support, both at home and in the nursery. This sense of connection creates a true community, where everyone comes together to make the very best decisions for each child. Because we know we are always better together.

Inclusion is woven beautifully throughout the setting. Children with additional needs “make significant progress from their individual starting points,” supported by tailored learning and strong partnerships with professionals. Children learning English as an additional language are equally empowered to thrive, developing the communication skills they need to succeed. Every child is seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.

The report also highlights the strength of leadership, with leaders described as “ambitious and reflective,” creating a culture of continuous improvement. The team are supported to grow, develop, and feel confident in their roles, and that passion shines through in every interaction, every invitation to play, and every magical moment shared with the children.

What truly stands out is the joy of being a child at Chesterwell. Inspectors noted that “children are at the heart of this unique and exquisite setting,” where they are encouraged to make choices, explore their interests, and take pride in their achievements. Whether becoming ‘special helpers’, building with friends, or discovering something new for the first time, children approach each day with energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of wonder.

We are incredibly proud of our Chesterwell nursery family. This first Ofsted inspection is a celebration of a team who live and breathe our values, showing kindness in every interaction, working in true partnership with families, and always striving to be beyond brilliant.

You can read the full Ofsted report here.

Together, we will continue to create joyful, inspiring experiences and a brighter future for every child.

How did your early years apprenticeship prepare you for your current role?

Courtney:
“Completing my apprenticeship prepared me for my role now, as I had the opportunity to learn and develop my knowledge about this career and the further paths available to me.”

How has completing an early years apprenticeship opened up new opportunities?

Courtney:
“I am now an experienced Senior Early Years Educator and I am currently completing my Level 5 apprenticeship to gain a further qualification as a Lead Early Years Educator. With my experience, I not only support our current Level 3 early years educators as an Apprentice Ambassador, but I have also had the opportunity to complete further programmes such as leadership investment.”

What advice would you give to someone considering an early years apprenticeship?

Aaliyah:
“I would always say to go into it with an open mindset. Every day is different, so it does take patience and a real interest in helping young children flourish.”

Courtney:
“I would describe the apprenticeship experience as fulfilling and meaningful, you get to be part of something really special every day.”

Start your Early Years Apprenticeship at Seymour House
An early years apprenticeship at Seymour House is about more than learning on the job. It’s about being the magic in children’s everyday, building a career that truly sparkles with purpose, and growing within a team that supports you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to begin your journey as an early years apprentice, start your beyond brilliant career with Seymour House and help little ones explore, discover and thrive while you grow, learn and flourish in our passionate, supportive team.

Learn more about our apprenticeships and how to join the Seymour House family here.

When collecting the shoeboxes, Melissa Reynolds, Events and Partnerships Manager at Home-Start Essex, expressed her appreciation for the support shown by Seymour House. In her message, she shared how moved she was by the thoughtfulness behind every item and the care taken in sourcing and packing each shoebox.

Reflecting on the appeal, Caroline Clark, Head of Operations at Seymour House, said:
“Our annual shoebox appeal is a meaningful opportunity for our families, parents, carers and nursery team to support Home-Start Essex at a particularly important time of year. We are incredibly grateful for every donation and proud of the children who help decorate the shoeboxes with such enthusiasm. Together, we are helping to bring comfort and joy to local families this Christmas.”

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed. Your continued kindness and support make a real difference to children and families across Essex, and we are proud to work alongside Home-Start in strengthening our local community.

• “Children thrive in vibrant learning environments that spark curiosity and engage their interest.”
• “Children arrive with smiles and enthusiasm, settling quickly and enjoying exciting activities.”
• “Educators are deeply knowledgeable, nurturing and inspire children to explore, think and imagine.”
• “Leaders are ambitious in their vision for children’s learning and ensure every child, including those with additional needs, makes exceptional progress.”
• “There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that always puts children first.”

Amanda Fee, Head of Operations, said:
“To see all our inspected nurseries achieve Outstanding is something we are incredibly proud of. It reflects the passion, care and expertise that our teams bring to every single day. Most importantly, it celebrates the joy of learning that shines through every Seymour House nursery.”

Caroline Clark, Head of Operations, added:
“Our teams work with such dedication to provide the very best experiences for children and families. This achievement shows what can be accomplished when everyone shares the same vision for excellence in early years education.”

Emma Price, Head of Apprenticeships, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled that our Apprenticeship Academy and nurseries inspected have all achieved Outstanding. Our apprentices work incredibly hard and are truly passionate about giving children the best start in life. These results reflect the dedication of everyone across Seymour House, from our wonderful nursery teams to our inspiring tutors and assessors.”

Readers can explore the full Ofsted reports by visiting the Ofsted website here: Find an Ofsted inspection report

Seymour House looks forward to this next chapter and will continue to nurture confidence, inspire curiosity and create joyful experiences for every child at Seymour House nurseries.

END

For further information, please contact:
Sarah Wightwick
sarah.wightwick@seymourhouse.co.uk

About Seymour House:

For over 35 magical years, Seymour House has provided a beyond brilliant nursery experience for families. We nurture children’s imagination and nourish their body and mind to help unlock their limitless potential.

Our unique early years approach draws on our expertise, creativity, and forward thinking to deliver the best outcomes for children across our 10 Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ settings in Essex and Hertfordshire.
We have over 300 passionate and inspiring Apprentices, qualified Early Years Educators, dual nursery leadership from Heads of Early Years and Nursery Managers and a wonderful support team. Our team is our superpower!

• “Staff help children explore and ask questions, fostering curiosity and deep thinking.”
• “Children flourish in a language-rich environment where stories and purposeful talk promote creativity and rich conversation.”
• “Children who speak English as an additional language receive exceptional support, helping them to feel understood and confident as they develop both languages successfully.”

From discovering what happens when a pine cone gets wet, to pretending to put out fires with water squirters, learning at Basildon Hospital is hands-on, imaginative, and full of joy. Storybooks inspire creativity too, with children making their own ‘Stickman’ characters and retelling stories in their own words. These magical moments help children strengthen memory, confidence, and communication.

Independence is celebrated every day. Babies are supported to spread their own cream cheese, toddlers serve lunch from shared dishes, and older children pour drinks and help friends at the ‘Self Support Station’. Each step helps build confidence, resilience, and pride.

Our partnerships with families are a true strength of the nursery. Parents spoke warmly about the caring and dedicated team, describing how well informed they feel through daily conversations and regular updates. Families especially value the thoughtfully designed ‘Borrow Bags’ which support learning and wellbeing at home, helping children feel secure and supported through every stage of development.

Nursery Manager, Danielle Norris, shared her pride in the team:

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive an Outstanding rating. Our team works with so much care, passion, and creativity to provide the very best start in life for every child. The Ofsted feedback reflects the warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment that our educators create every single day.”

Head of Early Years Practice, Esther Carey, added:

“This Outstanding result is a true reflection of the dedication and expertise of the Basildon Hospital team. They have created a space where children feel loved, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. It is wonderful to see such exceptional practice recognised and celebrated.”

We were also delighted to receive a personal letter from Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, whose daughter attended Seymour House. He shared how much he valued the care and education she received and congratulated the team, writing:

“This recognition is richly deserved and a testament to the passion, commitment, and hard work of your entire team. You make Basildon proud.”

We are incredibly proud of our Basildon Hospital nursery family. This Outstanding achievement highlights the team’s commitment to creating joyful, meaningful learning experiences that help children flourish.

You can read the full Ofsted report here

Together, we will continue to nurture curiosity, confidence, and kindness in every child at Basildon Hospital Day Nursery.

• “Children arrive with smiles and enthusiasm, settle quickly and enjoy the exciting activities on offer.”
• “Children benefit from an ambitious, well sequenced curriculum that is tailored to their developmental needs and individual interests.”
• “Staff have high expectations for all children, including those learning English as an additional language, and adapt teaching effectively so every child is included.”
• “As a result, children are highly motivated, enthusiastic learners who share ideas confidently and take pride in their achievements.”

The report also highlighted the strength of communication and language teaching. Educators model clear speech, encourage rich vocabulary and build early language from babies to preschool in ways that are perfectly matched to their stage of development. Independence shines throughout the nursery too, with children supported to take increasing ownership of everyday tasks, helping them to feel capable, confident and ready for school.

Nursery Manager, Laura Clarke, shared her pride:
“Our team are so proud to achieve an Outstanding rating. They work with such purpose and passion every day to provide the very best start in life for every child. This feedback reflects the thoughtful, nurturing and enriching practice I see throughout our nursery.”

Head of Early Years Practice, Emma Walker, added:
“Brinkley Lane has such a warm and joyful atmosphere. You can really feel how much the team care about what they do and how well they know each child. Their passion for creating meaningful learning experiences shines through, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised.”

Parents also shared how well supported they feel and how educators continually go above and beyond for children and families.

We are incredibly proud of our Brinkley Lane nursery family. This Outstanding outcome celebrates the dedication, expertise and deep care of the team, and the joyful learning experiences they create every day.

You can read the full Ofsted report here

Together, we will continue to nurture curiosity, confidence and happiness in every child at Brinkley Lane Day Nursery.

The inspectors described Springfield Road as “a vibrant learning environment that sparks children’s curiosity and engages their interest,” praising how our team inspires exploration, independence, and a genuine love of learning. 

Every corner of the nursery is designed to invite discovery, from babies exploring movement and balance as they take their first steps to older children expressing their creativity through art inspired by real artists and different media. Inspectors recognised how secure and nurturing key person relationships give children the confidence to explore and thrive. 

The report highlights how: 

• “Leaders develop an ambitious, detailed, progressive curriculum that builds precisely on what children already know and can do.” 

• “Children’s behaviour is exemplary and staff embed highly effective strategies which enable even the youngest children to understand and regulate their emotions.” 

• “The highly trained, dedicated staff provide stimulating, carefully planned experiences that inspire curiosity and create moments of awe and wonder for children each day.” 

Children’s learning is filled with joyful experiences, from exploring “space” through sensory storytelling to watching ice melt and discovering what is hidden inside. Books are everywhere, in the garden, in the home corner, and even in the kitchen, helping children fall in love with reading from the very start. 

Partnerships with families are at the heart of Springfield Road’s success. Parents described how well informed, supported, and included they feel, thanks to daily conversations, the nursery app, and “borrow bags” filled with ideas and resources to continue learning at home. 

Nursery Manager, Emily Ambrose King, shared her delight: 

“We are absolutely thrilled with our Outstanding result. Our team’s passion for creating inspiring learning experiences shines through every day, and this recognition reflects their dedication and care. It is a joy to see our children grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence, supported by such strong partnerships with our families.” 

Head of Early Years Practice, Katie Miller, added: 

“This is a truly well deserved achievement for the Springfield Road team. The nursery is alive with creativity and purposeful learning, and it is wonderful to see the inspectors recognise the exceptional practice that happens here every day. We are so proud of how our team continues to give children the very best start in life.” 

We are incredibly proud of our Springfield Road nursery family. This Outstanding result reflects the commitment, creativity, and care that our educators bring to every moment of nursery life. 

You can read the full Ofsted report here

Together, we will continue to inspire curiosity, nurture confidence, and create joyful beginnings for every child at Springfield Road Day Nursery.  

The inspectors captured beautifully what makes Lawn Lane so special: 

“Children thrive here due to highly qualified staff who use their expert knowledge and skilful interactions to create a safe and enriching environment for all children. Children are happy to start their day and are greeted by kind and enthusiastic staff. All children quickly become engrossed in activities of their choosing which have been carefully planned and developed to suit all learners. This creates a warm, nurturing and highly stimulating environment.” 

The report praised many aspects of our nursery life, including: 

• “Leaders have developed a unique curriculum, which is clear and ambitious for all children.” 

• “Children are supremely self-sufficient and adept at doing things for themselves.” 

• “Parents say they feel exceptionally valued… they appreciate how staff support their children and value the communication they have with their child’s key person.” 

Nursery Manager, Chloe Sanders, shared her pride in the team: 
“I am so incredibly proud of our team at Lawn Lane. Every day, they bring passion, creativity, and care into our nursery, and this outstanding recognition is a reflection of the love and dedication they show to each and every child. It is inspiring to see children grow in confidence, imagination, and independence, and we are honoured to share this journey with our families.” 

Our Head of Early Years Practice, Charlie White, added: 
“This outstanding rating celebrates the very best of early years practice. Our Lawn Lane team has created a joyful environment where children feel safe, inspired, and ready to explore the world. It is a shining example of how we live our values at Seymour House, putting children at the heart of everything we do.” 

We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the dedication of our Lawn Lane nursery family and the close partnerships we share with parents and carers. 

You can read the full Ofsted report here

Together, we will continue to create magical moments of learning, laughter, and adventure for every child. 

The inspectors were full of praise for the inspiring learning environment created by our team and the exceptional care shown to every child and family. They described how: 

“Children thrive at this setting and behave exceptionally well. Staff are fully engaged and committed to supporting children in their learning, and they take an active role in keeping children highly engaged, focused and challenged.” 

From seamless settling-in sessions that include families every step of the way, to the innovative activities that spark curiosity and challenge children’s thinking, the report highlights how Broomfield Road creates an environment where children feel known, supported and celebrated. 

Ofsted were particularly impressed by the way our team prepares children for their next steps, with inspectors noting that: 

• “Children in the pre-school room are prepared exceptionally well for school with an emphasis on developing high levels of independence and problem-solving.” 

• “Staff introduce new vocabulary and concepts, providing clear explanations as to what these words mean.” 

• “Leaders are inspirational in their vision for children’s learning and development through the bespoke curriculum that is embedded for each age range through age-appropriate activities.” 

Families also play a huge role in this partnership, with parents describing the team as “amazing” and “wonderful”. The report celebrated the ways we support families at home, such as providing a library of resources on everything from potty training to weaning. 

Nursery Manager, Katherine Cooper, said: 
“We are absolutely delighted to have received an Outstanding rating. This achievement reflects the passion and dedication of the entire team, who work tirelessly to ensure every child feels happy, confident and inspired to learn. It is such a joy to see children flourish here at Broomfield Road.” 

Head of Early Years Practice, Chelsea Swift, added: 
“This recognition from Ofsted is a testament to the exceptional practice at Broomfield Road. The team have created an environment where children are nurtured, challenged and celebrated every day. Their commitment to providing the very best start in life shines through in every interaction.” 

We are so proud of our Broomfield Road nursery family and the strong partnerships we share with parents and carers. 

You can read the full Ofsted report here

Together, we will continue to nurture independence, inspire curiosity and create joyful experiences for every child at Broomfield Road Day Nursery.