About us
A village pre-school at the heart of Great Bentley
We are centrally located at Great Bentley Village Hall and enjoy excellent links with the neighbouring primary school. Our aim is to offer children the opportunity to learn through play in a stimulating and nurturing environment.
What we believe
We believe that all children should be given the opportunity to learn through play at their own pace. Each session is planned by qualified members of staff using children’s own individual records, so that every child reaches their full learning potential.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage in everything we do.
“To provide high quality, affordable and accessible child care to children aged 2 to 5 years in a safe and supportive environment and to work in partnership with parents in the provision of this childcare.”
Our garden
We have a fully enclosed garden area which is used every day. We grow our own vegetables, flowers and herbs for the children to nurture.
In the winter and colder months we provide wellies and waterproof suits for the children to use. The garden is where children enjoy physical and outdoor play, gain awareness of the environment and build a healthier lifestyle. Ofsted’s inspector saw children riding bikes with confidence, taking turns with sand timers and building sandcastles in the sand pit.
Our team
The pre-school is owned and managed by Allison Hunt and Julie Wiles. At our last inspection we employed 12 members of childcare staff, nine of whom hold early years qualifications at level 3, including the managers.
We identify the training needs of our team and provide in-house and external training, so that parents have peace of mind that their children are cared for by professionals.
Every child has a key person. Ofsted found that staff complete regular assessments to track children’s progress and next steps, and share these with parents.
Ofsted
Rated Good in every area
Ofsted inspected us on 17 July 2025 and judged the pre-school Good overall and in all four areas. We were also rated Good at our previous inspection in March 2020.
We have been registered with Ofsted since 2012. Our unique reference number isEY450793.
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- The quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
Come and find out more
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