St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Gosfield Hall Park, Gosfield, Halstead CO9 1SE
Submit a Review
Top 20 award
10 26 Reviews
  • St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery, Halstead
Rated 'excellent' by the Independent School Inspectorate (Oct 2021), St Margaret’s Prep School & Nursery welcomes children from the age of two to attend the nursery, which is at the heart of the school set in acres of listed parkland. Children are helped to develop their own personality and grow their confidence through the support given to them by excellent staff.

Children learn through a variety of play activities, with both indoor and outside areas to explore and have fun in.

All meals are freshly prepared and cooked onsite they are healthy, tasty and nutritional to ensure each child has the energy they need throughout their busy days. Lunch is provided to all children attending full days or morning sessions.

Each child is given love and warmth by nursery staff and every individual has a key worker who observes and assesses the child developments at key stages.

Children are taught by specialist staff and have French, music, Forest School and PE with the same specialist teachers as the rest of the school with full access to seven acres of grounds. The bright and airy, purpose-built nursery was completed in the summer of 2017.

Children are eligible for the Early Years Grant from the term after their third birthday. Contact St. Margaret's for further information.

Show St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery on the Map

Care Provided by St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Nursery School – Privately Owned
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Carolyn Moss (Headteacher)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Children may join us once they have had their second birthday
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 6
  • Total Places for Children
  • 32
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • School Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

  • From £33 half day session

  • Please contact us for details

St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery Reviews (26)

Total of 26, showing 1-20
10

St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.981) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery has 26 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 26
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

26
3
3
13
13

Review from Louise R (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am extremely happy with the nursery at St Margaret's Prep School and Nursery. My daughter has settled in so well and absolutely loves going in. The teachers are all so lovely, friendly and genuinely care about the children. The school as a whole is such a warm and welcoming environment and I've noticed
how much she has grown in confidence and learned new things since starting here.
The staff always keep me updated and it's clear how much effort they put into creating a fun and nurturing space for the kids. I feel confident knowing my child is in such good hands. Highly recommend.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback regarding your daughter settling in so well here at St Margaret's Prep. We really appreciate and value your feedback and it is great to hear that you are happy with out setting and that you would recommend us to others. Thank you again for your kind words and we look forward to seeing you soon.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from G G (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery with a caring and supportive environment. The staff are brilliant and my son is very fond of them. He really enjoys his time here. He learns so much including languages and cooking, and I like that they get to integrate with the rest of the school.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a positive review. We are thrilled to hear that your experience here at St. Mag's has been so rewarding. It is truly wonderful to have you and your family as part of our school community. Your kind words motivate us to continue providing a nurturing and enriching environment for all our children and we are so pleased to hear you enjoyed our Nursery Christmas performance so much! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from F C (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son (3) started here in September this year, after a few stay-and-play sessions. We were keen for him to have a smooth transition into pre-prep for Sept 25.
He was with a previous childcare provider 4 days a week, but before the summer had become more reserved and not progressing. He wasn't joining
in at song time anymore, completely out of character, he lost his confidence and we were so worried.
However, after only a term at St Mag's he is flourishing, he loves the teaching staff and chatters the whole way home about his new friends and what he has learned. Today he had his first Christmas play, he sang his little heart out in front of all the parents. Learned the words and the actions and we are so impressed with how much he has progressed and regained his confidence in such a short space of time.
The lunches are of excellent quality and choice.
All the staff are so helpful and informative.
They really go beyond expectations and deliver excellence, we are so grateful for St Margaret's.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a positive review with lovely feedback - It is very much valued and appreciated. I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed our Christmas performance and that your son has settled into our setting so well. It is lovely having him and you all, as part of our St Mag's community. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from J D (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

St Margaret’s Nursery are nothing less than fantastic. The teachers and staff are so attentive, caring and compassionate. It really shines through when they are with the children. Our son loves going to nursery and has learnt so much since joining. We are so happy to have found St Margaret’s and can’t
recommend them enough.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review, which we very much value and appreciate.
We are so pleased to have you and your family part of the St Margaret's community, and it's amazing to see how well your Son has settled in since he started here with us. Thank you again.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Claudia B (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My youngest daughter started at St Margaret’s Nursery in October 2023. Since day one she settled in very nicely, the staff made her feel comfortable and safe. Every day she goes in she is always very eager to see her friends and teachers! At pickup, she loves telling me all about what she has been up
to during her day. The nursery provides a variety of learning opportunities from PE, music, French and more, all of which are very enriching even at this early stage.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us your kind feedback and love having you and the girls part of our St Magaret's family.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son joined St Margaret's when he was two years old and had such a fantastic time. He settled quickly, was provided with exceptional learning opportunities and built a close relationship with all the staff. The setting is excellent and the nursery children are made to feel at home and part of the
wider school community. We could not ask for a better setting. Thank you!

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for your kind words about our nursery here at St Mag's. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a lovely review and are so pleased your son had a wonderful experience in our nursery.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Victoria H (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment I first got in contact, they have been fantastic. The environment and very friendly staff made my son (and myself) feel very comfortable right from the start. The resources and nursery layout make it easy for the children to explore, as well as the outside space.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we are so pleased to have you all as part of the St Mag's family and are pleased we have been able to help you feel at ease from the beginning. Thank you again for the lovely feedback.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The settling sessions are well thought out and has lead to a great transition into full days. The structure of lessons and play are a great balance for nursery age and the children soak it all up at this age. The staff are lovely and make me feel relaxed knowing my children’s needs are being met. It
has a great atmosphere and community about the school in general and this spreads to nursery as well.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us your feedback which we very much value. We are so pleased the settling-in sessions and the transition to our nursery was seamless and that you feel relaxed and at home here. We love having you as part of our St Mag's family.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from C D (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had both children attend the nursery at St Margaret’s (2020 and 2023) and I cannot fault it. The staff are so warm, friendly and supportive. The environment inside and outside is clean, inviting and well looked after. Having our children excited to go to school every morning and seeing the smiles
on their faces told us they were in the right place. The nursery provided a range of activities for each child to suit their interests so no two days were ever the same.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you so much for your valuable feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us your comments and we are so pleased your children enjoy coming to school and being part of our St Margaret's family.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Charlotte M (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter joined St Magaret's Nursery in June, just after turning 2, and has settled in really well. All the staff are very supportive and take the time to get to get to know each child personally, making for a very friendly atmosphere across the school. The range of activities is extremely varied
and you can see the effort that goes into making them engaging and relevant to the specific topic/focus. Having access to specialist subject teachers for PE, music and French at such a young age is a real bonus and we can already see the benefit of this.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and lovely feedback which we very much value and appreciate and it is a pleasure having you all part of the St Margaret's family.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from H G (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with a very supportive and family feel about its ethos. My little one loves to come to nursery each week and loves all the wonderful activities they provide each week including music, PE and French.

Reply from Eleanor Smith, Admissions Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback with us. We are so pleased to have you all as part of our St Margaret's family and we really appreciate your kind comments.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Cara B (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best, most special, beautiful environment, wonderful, caring teachers and staff, so welcoming, approachable, kind, thoughtful, homely, caring, nurturing school for my two girls. Thank you, St Margaret's. They have grown and developed beautifully, and their confidence is truly noticeable.

Reply from Lynda Barrow, Marketing Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for your kind words - we love having you all as part of the St Margaret's Family.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing settings with brilliant staff who care about the individual child.
They provide extracurricular activities, which really appealed to us when choosing a nursery.
The online app is great for communication.

Reply from Lynda Barrow, Marketing Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

Thank you for your kind words; your son has settled so well, and it's a pleasure to have you all as part of the St Margaret's Family.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery, I feel is a very special place for our children. When looking for a nursery, we wanted somewhere that was light, clean, homely and full of happy children and staff. We found all that and more at St Margaret's. The room is beautiful and more than we could have asked
for, very clean with separate areas to learn and play. All the teachers are outstanding, always extremely welcoming and communicate regularly with how your child is and what they have been doing throughout the day.
All the children are beaming and play so nicely together.
The nursery follows a mixed structure of learning and play, which in turn, will help the children in their transition to reception in the future.
I highly recommend St Margaret's; we wouldn't want our child to be anywhere else.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Amy O (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely delighted with the nursery and staff at St Margaret’s. Our daughter started when she was 2 and is now in her final term before she starts school in September. The teachers and the school have been absolutely fantastic, and we highly recommend the nursery. We are confident that our children
will be ready and eager for the learning and fun in the years ahead!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Samantha K (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A truly wonderful nursery. We were so taken with the surroundings, staff and learning curriculum. We moved my son from his current nursery a term early, to help him transition before the reception in the Autumn term. He has taken to his new surroundings like a duck to water, made all the more seamless
by the fantastic staff. In his first two days, he’d enjoyed activities not even offered in the three years at his other setting. I couldn’t recommend St Margaret’s Prep School & Nursery enough. The best decision I have ever made for my child.

Reply from Lynda Barrow, Marketing Manager at St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

We are delighted to have you as part of the St Margaret’s family; thank you for your kind words.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Clare L (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started in September 2020 in transition. He settled immediately and ran out saying his “big boy” school was “awesome” we have never looked back. He has learnt phonics, how to write his name and counts to 20, and he is only just four. The staff are super friendly, and they know the children. I
can’t recommend enough and only wish we had moved him there sooner!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Mary M (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my sons have or are attending the nursery and have absolutely loved the experience. The care, attention and fun they have at the nursery is incredible. My eldest son also has food intolerance's and these were taken very seriously. I really appreciate the balance of play versus curriculum that is
introduced to the students from the start.The nursery has made my children confident, polite and articulate. My eldest was so well prepared for reception when the time came.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Dan R (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have one child currently in the nursery and another who is now in reception, and we cannot rate the nursery highly enough. The development we have seen in both our children has been amazing. The setting and the staff are excellent, and the variety of activities the children take part in is well above
and beyond anything we had found in other nurseries we looked at before going to St Margaret’s.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Sarah D (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had two children progress through the nursery and couldn’t be more pleased with their development and self confidence. The staff are wonderful, patient and nurturing. My boys have both loved their St Margaret’s Prep School & Nursery journeys so far and the nursery has been a fantastic starting
point.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.981)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.981) out of 10 for St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.981 for St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (151 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 154 Ratings = 4.981

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery is based on 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 32 number of registered child places is 6.4, which has been reached with 13 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (2)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (2)

Debbie

Debbie Raby

Job Title: Nursery Co-ordinator

Debbie has worked at St. Margaret's nursery for many years. She loves working with the children and families, helping them on their first steps to an excellent education. Debbie has a BA in Early Childhood Education and Diploma in Pre-School Education Teaching.


Harriett

Harriett Carter

Job Title: Nursery Co-ordinator

Joined: 2006

Harriett always knew she wanted to work with young children. While studying for her diploma in childcare, she did work placements at St. Margaret's and joined us permanently in 2006. She says the aspect she loves most about her job is "When the children learn something, when it really clicks, like writing their name. I also love the bond I have with the children, especially when they see me and smile at me first thing in the morning!"


Harriet is our Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Early Years and she also runs our breakfast and after school clubs.


Frequently Asked Questions about St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery accepts?

St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery Open?

St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery have capacity for?

St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery has capacity for a total of 32 Children.

How far is St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery to the centre of Halstead?

2.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. St Margaret's Prep School & Nursery has a Platinum Service – more info.