About the Leighs Nursery Group

In 1978 a small village nursery group was started in Great Leighs to provide a basic facility for young children to attend prior to commencing primary school education. A similar facility was organised later to accommodate the needs of the Little Leighs village children. Over the following years as both villages grew in population and surrounding areas developed, the importance of creating meaningful constructive pre-school facilities became obvious as did the necessity to establish a follow-on relationship with the local primary schools.

In this respect the Leighs Nursery Group has been structured specifically with the prime objective to offer an affordable community service. Its aim also is to create a level of child confidence to enable the transition from early learning to primary education to be made with the minimum of trauma in the child’s interest and welfare, and their parents.

The children from the nursery go on to attend primary school around the area including at Great Leighs, White Court, Notley Green and White Notley. Solid working interfaces have been established with all of the aforementioned schools. This is to monitor the ongoing progress and welfare of the children as they leave the nursery group and enter primary education.

To maintain such objectives, it is necessary to have available a high level of staff support and the Leighs Nursery Group does this by engaging qualified, experienced and conscientious staff. All staff are screened for employment on a confidential basis, in accordance with social services and Ofsted registration requirements. Ongoing staff training has been implemented for improving the levels of staff qualifications.

All staff enjoy a satisfying and rewarding relationship with the children, parents and carers. Presently the number of children attending nursery is steadily increasing and the popularity of the group is clearly evident by the waiting list and regular enquiries received.

The group is run on a private basis relying completely on fees, fund raising activities and the government funding for 3- and 4-year olds to pay staff, maintain overheads and for purchasing of materials and equipment.

Currently one premises is occupied by the Nursery Group at Great Leighs Village Hall, it is rented on a long term tenancy agreement.