Great Bentley Village Hall, Plough Road
Pre-school in Great Bentley for children aged 2 to 5
Children learn through play at their own pace, indoors and out in our own enclosed garden. We are open Monday to Friday during term time, with funded early education for all eligible children.
- Ofsted rating, July 2025
- Good
- Ages we care for
- 2 to 5
- Early education for all eligible children
- Funded
- Monday to Friday
- Term time
Our week
Open Monday to Friday in term time
Sessions run from 9.15am to 3.30pm. On Tuesdays we finish at 12.15pm.
- Morning, 9.15am to 12.15pm
- Lunch, 12.15pm to 12.45pm
- Afternoon, 12.45pm to 3.30pm
A day at pre-school
Learning through play, at each child’s own pace
- Photo placeholderChildren playing in the enclosed garden
Out in the garden every day
Our garden is fully enclosed and used every day. Children ride bikes, dig in the sand pit and help grow vegetables, flowers and herbs. In colder months we provide wellies and waterproof suits.
Settling in gently
Settling-in sessions are tailored to each child, so our staff get to know them well right from the start.
- Photo placeholderChildren pouring drinks at snack time
Doing things for themselves
At snack time children choose their food, pour their own drinks and serve themselves. Small steps like these build independence.
Ready for school
We enjoy excellent links with the neighbouring primary school, and our curriculum builds the independence, communication and self-help skills children need for their next step.
- Photo placeholderA key person sharing a book with a child
Support for every child
We work in partnership with parents and other professionals to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and children who speak English as an additional language.
Planned around your child
Each session is planned by qualified staff using children’s own individual records, following the Early Years Foundation Stage.
In their words
What Ofsted and parents say
“Children are very happy at this setting. They arrive smiling and eager to embark in a day filled with exciting activities.”
“Staff are nurturing and kind. They are intuitive to children’s needs and are readily available to offer them guidance, support and reassurance.”
“Lovely, caring, patient staff.”
Ofsted also found that parents “praise the warm support their children receive from all staff and leaders”. On Facebook, 100% of our 8 reviewers recommend us.
Ask us about a place
Call or email and we will be happy to answer your questions about sessions, funded hours and starting at pre-school.
Find us
Great Bentley Village Hall
Plough Road, Great Bentley
Essex CO7 8LG