Jun 30, 2022

Small Friends Day Nursery Receives 'Outstanding' Ofsted Report

Small Friends Outstanding Ofsted 2022

Small Friends Day Nursery Achieves Outstanding Ofsted Report, Providing Exceptional Care and Education.

Small Friends Day Nursery, located in Leigh-on-Sea, celebrates its recent Outstanding Ofsted grading following a comprehensive inspection. Under the leadership of Nursery Manager Kirsty Leech, the nursery has demonstrated a commitment to inclusive care, creating a warm and welcoming environment for children and families. This recognition from Ofsted reinforces Small Friends’ reputation as a high-quality childcare provider in the local community.

Outstanding Ofsted Grading

Small Friends Day Nursery was previously inspected in July 2015, receiving an Outstanding grading. Since then, Kirsty Leech took on the role of Nursery Manager in 2018 and has worked diligently with the staff team to enhance the nursery’s inclusive care practices. The recent Ofsted report highlights the nursery’s exceptional qualities, stating that children thrive and flourish in the loving and inclusive environment. The curriculum is praised for valuing children’s ideas and opinions, promoting a deep understanding of inclusivity, and helping friends.

Commitment to Providing Quality Childcare

Catering to children aged 2-5 years old, Small Friends Day Nursery enjoys a central location in Leigh-on-Sea. The nursery has built a strong reputation within the community for delivering high-quality childcare and comprehensive support to families. The Outstanding Ofsted grading further validates the nursery’s dedication to providing a nurturing and enriching experience for all children in their care.

Nursery Manager’s Perspective

Kirsty Leech, the Nursery Manager at Small Friends Day Nursery, expresses her vision of creating a supportive and progressive environment where children feel safe, secure, and empowered to thrive. She emphasizes the importance of enriching experiences that positively impact children’s futures. Kirsty and her dedicated team are thrilled to have received an Outstanding grading across all areas in the recent Ofsted inspection, recognizing their unwavering dedication, hard work, and passion for the children and families they serve.

Acknowledgment from The Old Station Nursery Group

Sarah Steel, Chair of The Old Station Nursery Group, extends her congratulations to Small Friends Day Nursery for achieving the Outstanding grading from Ofsted. She acknowledges the hard work and commitment of the entire team, emphasizing that this recognition is a testament to their skill and dedication. The Old Station Nursery Group takes pride in Small Friends’ accomplishment, highlighting its alignment with the group’s mission to provide exceptional care and education.

To conclude, Small Friends Day Nursery’s Outstanding Ofsted grading is a testament to its commitment to inclusive care and exceptional early education. With a dedicated team led by Nursery Manager Kirsty Leech, the nursery provides a nurturing and enriching environment for children aged 2-5 years old. Small Friends’ reputation for high-quality childcare and support in Leigh-on-Sea is further solidified by this recognition. The Old Station Nursery Group commends Small Friends Day Nursery on its achievement and acknowledges the team’s hard work and dedication.


Named as the 12th largest nursery group in the UK (Nursery Chains league, March 2022), The Old Station Nursery Group cares for up to 4231 children in 63 nurseries across the UK.

Photo: The children and team at Small Friends Day Nursery celebrate their Outstanding grading


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