Small Friends Day Nursery

15 Rectory Grove, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2HA
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9.8 61 Reviews
  • Small Friends Day Nursery, Leigh-on-Sea
Conveniently located in Leigh-on-Sea, Small Friends Day Nursery provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere designed to support your child’s growth, learning, and play. The nursery offers exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes, helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.

The ethos at Small Friends is around the child’s happiness and wellbeing. The four large nursery rooms are complemented by a nursery garden and a beach house, which is dedicated to investigation and creativity through small parts play.

The home from home setting means that relationships play an important role at Small Friends; between the team and the children as well as between the children and their friends. They have four large playrooms, a garden and a beach house for the children to play and explore.

The children often visit the Old Leigh Beach, to further enrich their learning experiences. These outings offer the children a unique opportunity for exploration, sensory play, and fostering a love for the outdoors. It also gives the children the chance to further their social skills, build confidence, and encourage curiosity as they discover the natural world.

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Care Provided by Small Friends Day Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Julie Rayner (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 15
  • Total Places for Children
  • 60
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Small Friends Day Nursery

  • Full Day Session £90.30

  • A £100 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to availability.
  • Parking

  • Local car parks near as well as off street parking available.


Small Friends Day Nursery Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 1-20
9.8

Small Friends Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.837) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Small Friends Day Nursery has 61 reviews.

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Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I looked at several settings before choosing Small Friends and it was absolutely the right choice. As a previous Ofsted inspector and headteacher I have high expectations and this nursery meets them all and beyond. The staff are professional but friendly and genuinely care about my son. They are also
supportive of the parents which goes a long way. I know my son is safe, happy and well looked after. The parents evening and feedback via the app also gives me a clear idea of what my son is doing and achieving. I couldn't recommend this nursery more highly - they do a fantastic job and I'm very grateful to them for their hard work and dedication.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your review and recommendation. We're thrilled to read that we are meeting your high expectations and that you feel your son is safe, happy, and well cared for. It means a lot that you appreciate the professionalism, friendliness, and support we provide.


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Review from Lauren W (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Small friends is absolutely amazing, the staff are outstanding I was really worried for my twins as they never been separated from us, but they settled in lovely and have got to know the staff so well, they have adapted really well into nursery setting!
They really gone above and beyond to get things
in place for my child so he can be safe in the setting! The boys are enjoying nursery and I am so glad I have chosen small friends.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Small Friends Day Nursery

We're thrilled to read that your twins have settled in so well and are enjoying their time in our setting. It's fantastic to know they've built such strong connections with the team and adapted so smoothly. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.


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Review from Z P (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started at Small Friends recently, and we've been so pleased with how well he has settled in. His speech has really come along, and it's lovely to see him making friends and growing in confidence.
The staff are fantastic-they all seem to know him well and genuinely care about his wellbeing.
He's always happy to go in the morning, and he especially enjoys the outings and activities like music and movement.
We're really grateful for the warm and nurturing environment at Small Friends and would happily recommend it to other parents.

Reply from Hannah Nabil, Marketing Business Partner at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you for your wonderful review. We're so pleased to hear that your son has settled in well and is thriving at Small Friends. It's great to know he enjoys the outings and activities, and we truly appreciate your kind words about our staff.


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Review from Puspita S (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little chatterbox started at Small Friend a year ago. While he wasn't shy, he was definitely a slow talker. Now he's saying full sentences, knows his colours and numbers, and even explains his "no's"; and "yes's"!
Small Friend's caring staff helped him blossom. They made him feel loved and safe,
giving him the space to explore and grow at his own pace. Special shoutout to his main carer who (though she's moved on) once helped him with a choking scare - amazing!
If you're looking for a warm, nurturing environment where your child can truly thrive, Small Friend's is the place! We highly recommend it!

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Review from Z H (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Many thanks from the heart for all your hard work, love, dedication and patience to the children, and for keeping personal belongings in order (toys, clothes), helping with potty training, caring when my boy isn’t feeling well, making everyday a fun environment to go to which is also very important.
And thank you for making this such a safe space for my boy, who absolutely loves it here.
This is an absolutely fantastic nursery, great team running it and wonderful management. Highly recommend it to anyone.

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Review from Rosie T (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful, friendly setting. My daughter is absolutely thriving and loves attending. The staff are so kind and always there to listen and help in any way they can.
Feedback is always given at the end of a session, and I feel they really know my daughter and her likes and dislikes.
Her speech is phenomenal
for her age, and this has really improved since being at Small Friends. She is a keen singer following her sessions and always teaching me new songs.
Activities are always varied and relevant to special events in the calendar.
Highly recommend this setting. The only slightly disappointing thing is that you cannot enter the setting at pick up or collection, understand why, but would be nice to see my daughter in the setting interacting with the other children.

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Review from Russell E (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy with the setting for our eldest. Our second is following her footsteps and attending Small Friends, too Everything from the warm welcome at every session, to the support for settling and communication. We know our child is in safe hands.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Small Friends Day Nursery

That's really kind to say, thank you very much; we'll let the team know.


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Review from David S (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly and keen to progress our child’s learning experience in a fun and inclusive manner! Include key classes such as French and others to give a well-rounded experience for what is to come when school starts!

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Small Friends Day Nursery

That's really kind to say, thank you very much; we'll let the team know.


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Review from Phil H (Father of Child) published on 8 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have had an excellent experience at Small Friends. Over a period in excess of five years, we have felt the level of care and teaching offered by the manager and all of her team has exceeded all expectations. Thank you!

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Small Friends Day Nursery

The team will love to read your kind words; thank you very much.


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Review from Claire W (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter goes to Small Friends and settled there straight away. I feel the nursery is extremely good at communicating with parents, and the app is updated regularly with photos and reviews about how the children are getting on.
The staff all seem very happy and genuinely care a lot about the children.
They think of lots of engaging activities for them and bring in other fun classes like movement and music. In any areas the children might be struggling with, they do their best to encourage and teach them.
Overall, I’m very happy with my experience with Small Friends and highly recommend them.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Small Friends Day Nursery

That is wonderful to hear; thank you for sharing so much with us.


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Review from Sophie B (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team at Small Friends have been wonderful since the moment my daughter joined in January 2024. They have been so flexible and welcoming - I honestly cannot fault them. My daughter has various allergies, and they have put my mind at rest with their policies and procedures. Additionally, my daughter
has made such lovely bonds with the staff in the Caterpillar room. My daughter loves Small Friends so much, she often asks to go on Saturday and tries to pack her bag - I think that's a pretty good sign that she enjoys it.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Small Friends Day Nursery

That is very pleasing to hear; thank you for taking the time to review us.


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Review from Nicki Q (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child was struggling with settling again after being off ill. All the staff have been fantastic at getting her resettled, and she loves her time there. We get regular updates face-to-face and also on the app, which is lovely to see.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your review; we really appreciate it!


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Review from L T (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a warm, welcoming nursery; they are very good at comforting the children when they are upset about leaving their parents.
Food choice is an amazing variety of meals.
My son loves it here.
They go above and beyond to make sure he comes out smiling.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your review; we really appreciate it!


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Review from Nadina L (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery - both my children have grown and flourished here. They have learnt so much and are always in a fun, creative and caring environment. Both children forged great relationships with children and staff. I have had extremely positive experiences with all the staff; it genuinely feels like
a little family unit. I have also had help on the admin side of things, which I greatly appreciate. My youngest is now about to leave, but I am so happy he feels prepared and excited for reception, loaded with all the skills he has learnt at small friends.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you ever so much for your review; we really appreciate it!


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Review from T W (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There are not many people I trust to care for my babies, but I highly rate Small Friends, and both my children thrived.
Patient, nurturing and engaging are some of the keywords that jump to mind.
The garden is small, but they make the most of what there is, and the children are always engaged in
fun activities.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your review; we really appreciate it!


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Review from N L (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Warm staff and lots of wonderful activities for my child. She is new to the nursery and has really settled in well! They have even gotten her fully potty trained and trying new foods! Absolutely brilliant!

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

We appreciate your review; thank you so much for taking the time to write it!


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Review from Kate S (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My little one has grown in confidence since attending Small Friends. She has bonded very well with her key worker, and I am confident in the care they provide. She always comes out smiling when I collect her, and I enjoy the feedback provided at the end of the day.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review!


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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Small Friends has been fantastic. This is our son's first time at a nursery, and he’s been loving it. He looks forward to seeing his teachers and friends every day.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind review; we really appreciate it!


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Review from Laura E (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery. My daughter settled very quickly and loves her sessions. The staff go above and beyond with the children, and it's great to see all the learning they do on the app! Food is of a great standard, and my daughter is really fond of the onsite cook!

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your amazing review; we really appreciate it!


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Review from Rachel C (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child always goes into nursery happy and comes out smiling and in a good mood. I never have any concerns or issues, and I know that he is in brilliant hands at this nursery. He loves showing me any artwork he's made when I collect him, and he always seems very proud of his work. He also sometimes
tells me about his day, and his keyworker will tell me his nap times, what he's eaten and what he's been up to. A lovely nursery that I would highly recommend.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Small Friends Day Nursery

Thank you for your kind review; it is very much appreciated!


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.837)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.837) out of 10 for Small Friends Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.837 for Small Friends Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (225 Excellents x 5) + (33 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 263 Ratings = 4.837

  • 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 Small Friends Day Nursery is based on 22 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 60 number of registered child places is 12, which has been reached with 22 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

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (1)

Julie

Julie Rayner

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2018

Hello! I'm Julie and I'm the Nursery Manager here at Small Friends Day Nursery.


Small Friends is a wonderful nursery in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea with a highly qualified, dedicated, and caring staff.


Our friendly team will support and encourage your child to learn, develop and flourish whilst in our care


We look forward to welcoming you to our nursery!


Frequently Asked Questions about Small Friends Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Small Friends Day Nursery accepts?

Small Friends Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Small Friends Day Nursery Open?

Small Friends Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Small Friends Day Nursery have capacity for?

Small Friends Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is Small Friends Day Nursery to the centre of Leigh-on-Sea?

0.3 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 Small Friends Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Small Friends Day Nursery has a Platinum Service – more info.