Little Faces Childcare

Pontlands Park, West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 8HR
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8.4 15 Reviews
  • Little Faces Childcare, Chelmsford
Little Faces opened at Pontlands Park in January 2013 and is located in the beautiful grounds of Pontlands Park, with views of fields surrounding the setting.

•        All Year Round places - (51 weeks per year)
•       Term Time Only (39 weeks per year, in line with Essex County Council School Term Dates)
•        ‘Short Day’ 7.5 Hourly Session
•       Minimum booking of 2 days per week
•        Additional Hours can be booked to extend Sessions (in 15 minute increments)
•        Unique and Flexible booking system that enables you to chose your start and finish times
•        15 hours Funded Sessions for eligible children aged 9 months - 4 years – (38 weeks per year)
•        30 hour Extended Funded Entitlement for eligible 3 - 4 years (available to working parents from Sept 25)

Consistently rated 'Good' by Ofsted, May 2013, August 2017 & March 2023.

All staff paediatric First Aid Trained - and achieved Millies Mark Award in January 2017.

Highly experienced and knowledgeable Special Needs Trained staff - Autism Friendly Award 2015.

Government 'Funded Early Education Entitlement' (FEEE) accepted (additional services charge applies).

Tax Free Childcare Payments accepted (saving 20% off fees for those who qualify).
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 21

Total Places for Children

  • 62

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Hourly rate from £9.50 per hour
    Day rate from £84.00
    Early starts from 7.30am and extended day from 5-6pm available
    All Year round and Term Time bookings

  • Fees vary depending on session length and term time only or all year round booking.
    Little Faces offer a wide range of flexible booking options to suit a variety of needs.
    Government Funding stretched to maximise your entitlement.

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

  • Bank Holidays, 3 training days per year & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Ample parking on site, with no through traffic.

Little Faces Childcare Reviews (15)

8.4

Little Faces Childcare has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.436) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Faces Childcare has 15 reviews.

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Review from Marc D (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Before we agreed on which nursery to send our child to, we visited several in the area. Each had its positives, and a couple were almost on our doorstep, but Little Faces was by far the best for us.
The staff are all, without exception, excellent. Every member of staff has been kind and shows a real
affection for our child. I cannot speak highly enough of how good the staff are. They spend time with our child and help them when they aren't feeling 100%. They support them with their development and encourage our child to be the best she can be.
The food provided is very good. The breakfast and snacks are the usual cereal and fruit, the lunches are always excellent and sound delicious. Our child eats pretty much everything they give them and that includes the vegetables that we can't get them to eat at home.
The nursery has fantastic learning opportunities with Sing and Sign and other regular activities.
In summary, a brilliant place to send your child.
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you so much for your kind words and glowing review of Little Faces Nursery! We're thrilled to hear that you've had such a positive experience with us. Our dedicated staff truly care about every…read more
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Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Settled my children into the toddler room and the preschool room in January 2024.
This was the first time that they had been in someone else's care other than their parents. The staff were welcoming, warm and genuinely caring towards my children. Set my mind at ease and worked every day to ensure they
were okay. They are loving life at their nursery and I couldn't fault the people that work closely with them. Lots of fun activities to keep them occupied too!
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
We're thrilled to hear that your children had such a positive transition into our care and that they felt welcomed, warm, and genuinely cared for by our staff. Providing a nurturing environment where…read more
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Review from Emma D (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can not recommend Little Faces enough, the care and compassion of all the staff is second to none! They always go above and beyond!
We recently watched the Pre-School Nativity and it was amazing! The hard work of all the children and staff was fantastic. What a lovely performance it was!
Well
done everyone!
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear your positive feedback about Little Faces. Our dedicated staff takes pride in providing exceptional care, and we're delighted that…read more
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Review from Gemma R (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When we went to view Little Faces I knew straight away that it was the right place to send our child. Three years later I cannot believe his time there has come to an end. Little Faces has cared for our child from the baby room all the way through to preschool and we have had the best experience. All
the staff have been fantastic and we are so happy with the care and professionalism we have received. I have loved receiving all the wonderfully thought-out crafts at different points of the year that our child has created, the personal touches have been fab. The effort that is made to ensure learning and fun go together is brilliant. We have been so happy with Little Faces, it’s super sad to say goodbye. Thank you for everything, we have lots of memories to cherish.
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
We are absolutely thrilled to receive your heartwarming review of Little Faces. It has been an incredible journey watching your child grow and thrive within our care over the past three years.
It has…read more
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Review from Amanda D (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had a truly amazing time at Little Faces. Both our daughter and now our son have attended the nursery and I would like to thank all the staff for their exceptional care over the last 6 years! They have been patient, encouraging, engaging and loving - we appreciate it beyond measure.


Our

son is always talking about the fun activities he does at Little Faces and will happily sing all the songs he has learned. He loves phonic songs! His experiences are so rich and interesting and he has flourished at Little Faces.


I am already feeling sad about moving on to ‘big school’ but feel very blessed that Little Faces gave both my children a fantastic start to lifelong learning. Thank you Little Faces so much.

Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Little Faces Childcare. It's great to hear that your children have thrived since attending and have become confident little individuals with an…read more
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Review from Victoria H (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We cannot thank Little Faces Childcare for all they have done for both our children. We have been attending Little Faces since 2017 and my children have loved it. They have both thrived since attending. Their vocabulary is excellent and they have become confident little individuals.
We always get
a warm welcome, a full update of their days and a happy send off. Would openly recommend Little Faces to anyone.
I am sad that our children's time has come to an end at pre-school but know that Little Faces have prepared them for big school and their futures.
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Review from Briony H (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my boys have attended Little Faces Childcare over the last 6 years and I have nothing but praise for this nursery. I'll be so sad when my youngest starts school and has to leave!
The staff here go above and beyond every day. Games and activities are so fun and engaging (camping in the garden
is always a particular highlight!) and educational too. Phonics, Spanish, meeting animals, they do it all. Beautiful crafts for special occasions, funny photos and just really exciting projects that teach so much in a fun way! They learn about other cultures and try new meals. Every element of their development is considered at Little Faces and both of my boys have made brilliant progress here. My eldest strode into school, confident, social, capable and independent and I know my youngest will be the same, thanks largely to Little Faces. They love the children they care for, it's plain to see, and makes leaving your child so much easier knowing they're loved, nourished, nurtured and having fun!
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you for your wonderful review of Little Faces Childcare!
We are grateful for your kind words and are delighted to hear that your boys have enjoyed their time at Little Faces Childcare. Our…read more
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Review from Roxanne A (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended Little Faces Childcare from the age of around 6 months old until 4 when they start school. Both children have been cared for in such a way you are comfortable to leave your children here, the staff are lovely, the food is good the children eat well and are well looked
after in my opinion. They are constantly entertained and both of my girls have loved attending this nursery and always look forward to attending. It’s such a nice environment I almost wish it could be a school! Little Faces has been a big part of our journey and we really will miss them, everyone is amazing and thought goes into everything they do, be it Mother’s Day/Father’s Day it really is made so special, keep up the great work!
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you for your positive review of Little Faces Childcare!
We are grateful for your kind words and are delighted to hear that you feel comfortable leaving your children in our care. Our staff…read more
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Review from Amanda W (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Faces Childcare is a lovely little nursery and the team are all wonderful. It's a small and intimate setting in a beautiful rural location surrounded by fields, which gives lots of opportunities for the children to learn about wildlife and nature.
The team are so friendly and nurturing. They
create wonderful bonds with the children. They constantly strive to improve and are passionate about what they do.
I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking for childcare in the Chelmsford area.
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you for your wonderful review of Little Faces Childcare! We are delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with our nursery. We take pride in creating a small and intimate setting…read more
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Review from C R (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Little Faces have gone above and beyond with their care for my child who has extra care needs. We started at Little Faces at eleven months old and my child loved it from day one. Always goes in with a smile and comes out with one too. The food is excellent and I've often heard my child
has had more than one helping! The staff have all done extra training to help care for my child and everyone in the setting knows the children and how to care for them. The rooms and facilities are fantastic with great all weather outdoor space for each age room which was important to us as the children get a good amount of fresh air every time they go. The support my child gets, as well as us as a family, exceeds our expectations, and the help we have had from staff to access charities and services to help us has been amazing. Nothing is any trouble for them to deal with. Going to Little Faces means you're part of a family. We're so happy we chose this nursery for our child.
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you so much for your lovely review - we are honoured to have your amazing child in our care!
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Review from Lisa O (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My youngest daughter is in her last 6 months of attending Little Faces and has attended since just before her 1st birthday.
I feel so lucky that, like her sister, she had the opportunity to experience the highest level of care and developmental opportunities whilst attending Little Faces.
The nursery
oozes love, fun and kindness in all that they do, going above and beyond to put all their little people first.
If you have a child with any form of allergy or medical needs which is stopping you from putting them into nursery, then this is the nursery for you. They have been so amazing since my daughter's diagnosis of Coeliacs's disease not only with the food they give her but in play activities which may contain gluten as well.
I will be very sad not to be visiting this wonderful place when she leaves in the summer term.
Reply from Jane Deighton, Director at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you for your lovely review. What a year we've had and it's going be heart-wrenching saying goodbye to your lovely daughter and all the others who will be moving onto big school in September -…read more
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Review from Jasmine (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at this nursery since she was 7 months and is now just over two. I couldn't have asked for more from a nursery, the staff are always kind and nurturing. My daughter has made great progress and I trust that my daughter is cared for and looked after well 100%. The activities she is
part of are fantastic, the food she is offered is always yummy. My daughter always comes home with a smile on her face and runs in every morning to see the staff, children and loves the environment. Thank you Little Faces.
Reply from Jane Deighton at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you so much for your lovely review - Its a pleasure to have your adorable daughter at Little Faces and we love watching her grow and develop. x
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Review from V K (Mother of Child) published on 21 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Faces was recommended to us by a teacher of a primary school and has met/exceeded our expectations. Having sent our other child to another local nursery, we can see such a difference in the care Little Faces provides. It is intimate enough for the staff to know and care for my child yet big enough
to offer amazing opportunities such as trips and outsourced lessons such as Spanish.
Reply from Jane Deighton at Little Faces Childcare
Thank you for your kind review. We aim to deliver an outstanding service at all times and are thrilled that we have met and exceeded your expectations.
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Review from Natasha C (Mother of Child) published on 6 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery very flexible and brilliant staff.
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Review from Claire B (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I first thought about looking for a nursery a friend told me about Little Faces and I am so thankful that she did. I had a visit to Little Faces after viewing another nursery and everything about that first visit set my mind at ease and I felt my daughter would be well looked after by staff who
appeared to love their jobs.


My eldest daughter has now started school but my youngest is still at Little Faces.


They have both been exceptionally well looked after by not just their key workers but all the staff, who genuinely seem to care about them. I have never felt rushed when dropping off or picking up - I get a thorough handover every evening.


I have been overwhelmed with how much they have learnt, both academically and socially - the amount and variety of activities that they do each day amaze me!


The setting is lovely and very secure. I would not hesitate in recommending Little Faces to anyone - this isn't just a business, the owner and staff are passionate about childcare.

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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.436)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.436) out of 10 for Little Faces Childcare is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.5 out of 5 from 3 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.944 for Little Faces Childcare is calculated as follows: ( (34 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 36 Ratings = 4.944
  2. 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 3.492 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Faces Childcare is based on 3 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 = 3.25
    2. 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 62 number of registered child places is 12.4. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.4 = 0.242
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (3)

Jane

Jane Deighton

Job Title: Director Joined: 1999

Jane has been working with children for many years, including being a children's fitness (FitKids) instructor to supporting children with additional needs in secondary school.


Jane leads a strong team of highly qualified, professional and very caring staff - they are all valued which is reflected in the 'family feel' of the nursery.


Jane has 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren. She has extensive knowledge and first-hand experience with Special Educational needs.

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Daniella du Preez

Job Title: Operations Director & SENSCO Joined: 2013

Daniella is Janes's daughter and the Operations Director of the Company. She is a mother to 4 children.


Daniella is highly qualified (level 5 in Childcare Leadership and Management), has extensive knowledge of Special Educational Needs and is a Level 3 qualified SENCO, completed ECLAN Accreditation and also our Autism Lead (Level 2).

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Jade Cottis

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2014

Jade joined Little Faces in 2014 as an Apprentice. After successfully completing her Level 3 childcare qualification, she was promoted to Room Leader, then again to 3rd in Charge and in 2023 she became Deputy Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Faces Childcare

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Faces Childcare accepts?

Little Faces Childcare accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Faces Childcare Open?

Little Faces Childcare 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 Little Faces Childcare have capacity for?

Little Faces Childcare has capacity for a total of 62 Children.

How far is Little Faces Childcare to the centre of Chelmsford?

2.4 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 Little Faces Childcare to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Little Faces Childcare has an Enhanced Service - more info.