Best nurseries in Runwell
7 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 | Little Darwins Nursery Full day care · 85 places · CM3 8DW | Outstanding (2023) |
| 2 | Safari Childcare Runwell Limited Full day care · 52 places · SS11 7LH | Good (2024) |
| 3 | Rainbow Pre-school Wickford Sessional day care · 32 places · SS11 8JE | Good (2024) |
| 4 | Just Imagine...Day Nursery & Out Of School Club Full day care · 82 places · SS11 7AS | Good (2023) |
| 5 | Runwell Village Preschool Sessional day care · 30 places · SS11 7JE | Good (2022) |
| 6 | Bishop's Forest Pre School Sessional day care · 16 places · CM3 8HE | Not yet inspected |
| 7 | Canopy St Luke's Chapel Full day care · 76 places · SS11 7JJ | Not yet inspected |
How much does nursery cost in Runwell?
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 Runwell?
Of 7 nurseries and pre-schools in Runwell, 1 have Ofsted's top results (Outstanding, or mostly strong or exceptional on the new report card). Listed first: Little Darwins Nursery, Safari Childcare Runwell Limited, Rainbow Pre-school Wickford.
How much does nursery cost in Runwell?
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 Runwell?
7 Ofsted-registered nurseries and pre-schools, 5 of them inspected so far.
Nurseries nearby
Chelmsford · South Woodham Ferrers · Danbury · Writtle · Great Baddow · Moulsham · Springfield · Boreham · Chelmer · Great Leighs · 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.