Best nurseries in Great Leighs
6 Ofsted-registered nurseries and pre-schools in Chelmsford, best Ofsted result first: the latest report card or overall grade, then the most recent inspection. Childminders are not listed (Ofsted does not publish their addresses).
| # | Nursery | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hillside Playcare Sessional day care · 23 places · CM3 3NT | Outstanding (2022) |
| 2 | The Hillside Barn Sessional day care · 16 places · CM3 3LJ | Outstanding (2021) |
| 3 | Up, Up and Away Pre-School Sessional day care · 26 places · CM3 1DF | Good (2025) |
| 4 | Waltham Preschool Sessional day care · 24 places · CM3 3LN | Good (2024) |
| 5 | The Leighs Nursery Group Sessional day care · 26 places · CM3 1PP | Good (2021) |
| 6 | Channels Day Nursery Full day care · 84 places · CM3 3FP | Not yet inspected |
How much does nursery cost in Great Leighs?
Typical weekly nursery prices for a child under two in East of England, from the Coram Childcare Survey 2026. A guide only: ask each nursery for its own fees.
Working parents in England can get 30 funded hours a week in term time from when their child is 9 months old, so a 25-hour place can cost little or nothing in term time. Every 3 and 4 year old gets at least 15 funded hours. Funded hours cover 38 weeks a year; nurseries can charge for extra hours, meals and activities. Check what you can get at Childcare Choices.
Questions
What are the best nurseries in Great Leighs?
Of 6 nurseries and pre-schools in Great Leighs, 2 have Ofsted's top results (Outstanding, or mostly strong or exceptional on the new report card). Listed first: Hillside Playcare, The Hillside Barn, Up, Up and Away Pre-School.
How much does nursery cost in Great Leighs?
In East of England, a part-time place (25 hours a week) for a child under two typically costs £192 a week without funded hours (Coram Childcare Survey 2026). Working parents can get 30 funded hours a week in term time from 9 months.
How many nurseries are there in Great Leighs?
6 Ofsted-registered nurseries and pre-schools, 5 of them inspected so far.
Nurseries nearby
Chelmsford · Runwell · South Woodham Ferrers · Danbury · Writtle · Great Baddow · Moulsham · Springfield · Boreham · Chelmer · Rettendon
Neighbourhoods
Source: Ofsted early years inspections. Ofsted's report card (from November 2025) grades curriculum, achievement, behaviour, children's welfare and leadership as exceptional, strong, expected, needs attention or urgent improvement; earlier inspections gave one overall grade.