Rocking Horse Childcare Southend is a welcoming, family-run nursery committed to providing exceptional care and learning experiences for children and their families. With children's happiness and wellbeing at its core, the nursery creates a safe, inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to explore, develop confidence and reach their full potential.
As an accredited Healthy Early Years Setting, children enjoy enriching experiences including outdoor learning, beach school, qualified yoga and dance...
Rocking Horse Childcare Southend is a welcoming, family-run nursery committed to providing exceptional care and learning experiences for children and their families. With children's happiness and wellbeing at its core, the nursery creates a safe, inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to explore, develop confidence and reach their full potential.
As an accredited Healthy Early Years Setting, children enjoy enriching experiences including outdoor learning, beach school, qualified yoga and dance sessions, and freshly prepared home-cooked meals from the nursery's commercial kitchen.
Inspired by Froebelian principles, the child-led curriculum nurtures creativity, communication, imagination and independence through purposeful play and exploration. Practitioners carefully plan enabling environments and build strong relationships through the key-person approach, ensuring children feel secure and supported.
The experienced team works closely with families, local services and specialists, including a dedicated SENDCo, Equality Needs Coordinator and Family Liaison Coordinator, to meet each child's individual needs. Owned and led by a mother-and-daughter team with over 40 years of combined Early Years experience, Rocking Horse Childcare Southend prides itself on its "W-E R-O-C-K" values of Well-being, Enjoyment, Respect, Opportunity, Communication and Kindness, helping children grow into happy, capable and lifelong learners.
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Type of Service
Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all year
Attendance patterns offered
All Year
Minimum attendance
1 day per week
Full days available
Yes
Owner
Rocking Horse Childcare Ltd
Private Owned
Person in charge
Emma Hodges (Manager)
Number of Childcare Staff
10
Total Places for Children
40
Age Range
from 0 years 3 months
to 5 years 0 months
Meals Provided
Yes
Meal Types Provided
Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks
Consumables provided
Yes
Consumables provided include
Nappies, Nappy Cream, Wipes
Opening Times
Monday07:30-18:00
Tuesday07:30-18:00
Wednesday07:30-18:00
Thursday07:30-18:00
Friday07:30-18:00
When Closed
Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas
Parking
Parking is available in the Seaway carpark opposite the site on Chancellor Road
Funding & Fees
Accepts government fundingAccepts tax-free childcare
Typical monthly cost for a 3-days place
£365/ month
Discount available for children attending full time.
Discount available for children attending full time.
We charge one weekly contribution fee and two daily contribution fees. You will be asked to opt in or out of these fees on your funding declaration form.
The daily contribution fees include:
£2.50 Enhanced provision: Enhanced provision costs in nurseries refer to additional services, resources, or facilities that go beyond what is typically covered by government-funded childcare (such as the 15 or 30 hours of free childcare in the UK). This includes but is not limited to: high quality educational opportunities such as the sensory room, beach schools, general outings and extended ratios on these, yoga, dancing, school readiness activities, clay activities, stay and plays, sea life passes, cooking activities, festivals and celebrational activities.
£8.50 Meals: Meal costs refer to the daily charges for providing nutritious, balanced meals and snacks to children during their time at nursery. These meals are prepared on-site and include breakfast, lunch, and/or tea, as well as healthy snacks and drinks throughout the day. As government funding for early education does not include the cost of meals, these charges are separate and payable by parents or carers. Please note: We are unable to accommodate packed lunches due to limited storage and food safety considerations. All children attending during meal times must therefore be included in the nursery's meal provision. We also meet allergy and dietary needs.
Weekly contribution fee:
£2 Consumables: A consumable charge is a fee requested by early years providers to help cover the cost of essential, day-to-day items that are regularly used and replenished in the course of delivering early education and care, which are not funded by government grants. This is included, but not limited to: nappies, wet-wipes, tissues, nappy sacks, nappy cream, washing bedding, face cloths, soil, sand and water play.
Calculated from data given to us by this nursery. Your final quote may vary slightly.
Averaged monthly figure. Actual billing varies; some nurseries bill weekly or by use.
Defaults shown
9 months to 2 years • 3-days • 30 hours funding • all year
How this price scales (per month)
1 day per week
£53
3 days per week
£365
5 days per week
£1,045
Adjust for your situation
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What this price covers
Standard chargeable day 8:00am to 6:00pm (10 hours)
22.8 funded hours used per week. Remaining hours charged privately.
Included in this price: Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks, Nappies, Nappy Cream and Wipes
Price without government funding: £1,020 / month (£80 / day)
If you're not eligible or haven't claimed funded hours.More info
£656/month more than the funded price.
This is what you'd pay if your child is under 9 months, or if you're not eligible for or haven't claimed funded hours.
About this price
How funding is applied, how the monthly figure is calculated.More info
Working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years can usually claim up to 30 funded hours a week. The working-parent hours depend on each parent meeting the minimum earnings rules and earning under £100,000 a year. This nursery stretches funded hours across 50 weeks of the year. You've selected 30 funded hours.
This nursery applies up to 10 funded hours per day, stretched across 50 weeks of the year. With your selected funding, 22.8 hours are covered each week. Hours beyond this, including the early and late parts of the day, are charged at the standard rate.
We work out the total cost across the year and divide by 12, so the figure shown is a smoothed monthly average. In practice, nurseries bill in different ways. Some bill monthly at this average. Others bill weekly, or charge for what happened that week or month, which can vary across the year. Confirm billing details with the nursery when you enquire.
Contact Rocking Horse Childcare Southend to get a personalised quote:
Rocking Horse Childcare Southend has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.772) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Rocking Horse Childcare Southend has 12 reviews.
Reviewer Connection to Rocking Horse Childcare Southend
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Showing 12 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Terri H (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My child has attended this nursery for 2 years. I had viewed a few nurseries before this one and checked ofsted inspections etc. as soon as I step foot into this nursery it felt safe. It felt secure, warm, educational and inviting- everything a child news and everything you look for as a parent. I...
My child has attended this nursery for 2 years. I had viewed a few nurseries before this one and checked ofsted inspections etc. as soon as I step foot into this nursery it felt safe. It felt secure, warm, educational and inviting- everything a child news and everything you look for as a parent. I am extremely risk aware, and thorough, and I can say that when I take my child to nursery, it feels like I am dropping them to a family members house. They learn, they play, they have extra cirricicular activities, outings, fun, and stay and plays regularly for parents to drop in, chat to staff and taste the food! Yummy. I will be sending my second child there in the summer.
↩Reply from Lisa, Owner at Rocking Horse Childcare Southend
Thank you for your lovely review, we appreciate your kind words. I have to agree the food is yummy, I will pass this on to our chef.
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Review from Lilianne B (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Have been attending this setting since Sep25, all staff are amazing and so friendly. They go above and beyond for both my kids and always greet with a smile Love this setting and all the staff! I would recommend (and do) to anyone. They offer a wide range of menus, beach school, garden time
Have been attending this setting since Sep25, all staff are amazing and so friendly. They go above and beyond for both my kids and always greet with a smile Love this setting and all the staff! I would recommend (and do) to anyone. They offer a wide range of menus, beach school, garden time
↩Reply from Lisa D'Auria, Owner at Rocking Horse Childcare Southend
Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting us with both of your children. It truly means the world to our whole team.
We are so proud to create a welcoming, happy environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn. Hearing that you feel we go above and beyond is exactly...
Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting us with both of your children. It truly means the world to our whole team. We are so proud to create a welcoming, happy environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn. Hearing that you feel we go above and beyond is exactly what we strive for every day.
Thank you as well for recommending us to others, there is no greater compliment. We feel very lucky to have your family as part of our nursery family.
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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The most amazing nursery I wouldn't send my children anywhere else they always go out of their way to accommodate not only the children but parents to. They help in any situation and are more like family.
The most amazing nursery I wouldn't send my children anywhere else they always go out of their way to accommodate not only the children but parents to. They help in any situation and are more like family.
↩Reply from Lisa D'Auria, Owner at Rocking Horse Childcare Southend
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear that you have had a positive experience, and we truly appreciate your kind words. Your support means a lot to us all.
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Review from Alice C (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son has been attending Rocking Horse Childcare in Southend since he was 4 months old. He is now 2 years, 8 months. It is a second home for him, he loves everything about nursery, the staff, the toys, his friends and the ample amount of love they give each and every child. My son has medical...
My son has been attending Rocking Horse Childcare in Southend since he was 4 months old. He is now 2 years, 8 months. It is a second home for him, he loves everything about nursery, the staff, the toys, his friends and the ample amount of love they give each and every child. My son has medical needs as well as additional needs and each staff know him so well and excellently meet all of his needs, despite these forever changing. They are all skilled with their own wealth of experience and it shows in the care they provide. Seeing him so happy, excited to go to nursery and talking about all the fun he has at nursery says it all. From someone who worked in Early Years for 8+ years, they really are the best around. I can't wait for his little brother to join the family at Rocking Horse Childcare!
↩Reply from Lisa D'Auria, Owner at Rocking Horse Childcare Southend
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear that you have had a positive experience, and we truly appreciate your kind words. Your support means a lot to us, and we look forward to continuing to provide a happy and nurturing environment.
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Review from G D (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Rocking Horse Childcare is quite simply AMAZING!!! It was pure fate how we managed to stumble upon this wonderful nursery and I can't thank my blessings enough. My daughter sees the staff as her family and has experienced true friendships with her peers. She eats better at nursery than at home and...
Rocking Horse Childcare is quite simply AMAZING!!! It was pure fate how we managed to stumble upon this wonderful nursery and I can't thank my blessings enough. My daughter sees the staff as her family and has experienced true friendships with her peers. She eats better at nursery than at home and I fully trust all staff in caring for her in my absence. The nursery never fails to make children inclusive in all group activities such as yoga, dance, beach walks, day trips and even enhancing creativity and imaginative play. They promote critical thinking, well being and learning through having fun. I can't recommend The Rocking Horse Nursery enough, the communication between practitioner and parent is amazing as they provide frequent updates throughout the day.
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Review from Chirsty A (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The care at this nursery is wonderful. My child has been with them for a year and his development has grown so much in that time. The staff are great at keeping parents updated with what the children are up to and there are always activities planned. Plus the food menu is amazing. Highly recommend.
The care at this nursery is wonderful. My child has been with them for a year and his development has grown so much in that time. The staff are great at keeping parents updated with what the children are up to and there are always activities planned. Plus the food menu is amazing. Highly recommend.
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Review from Gemma M (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
This nursery is absolutely fabulous. The owners and all of the staff are amazing. They offer so many extras for the children including yoga, diddy dance and most recently have hatched some ducklings. I know the staff care so much about the children and their wellbeing and I know they are in good...
This nursery is absolutely fabulous. The owners and all of the staff are amazing. They offer so many extras for the children including yoga, diddy dance and most recently have hatched some ducklings. I know the staff care so much about the children and their wellbeing and I know they are in good hands.
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Review from Drew O (Father of Child) published on 11 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
As most parents we spent a lot of time looking for a suitable place for our child to attend. After finding Rocking horse and speaking with them we have been blown away. Not only do they provide top notch childcare and push the children's development they have also helped us when needed.
Amazing...
As most parents we spent a lot of time looking for a suitable place for our child to attend. After finding Rocking horse and speaking with them we have been blown away. Not only do they provide top notch childcare and push the children's development they have also helped us when needed.
Amazing place and equally amazing staff, and our child is always buzzing every day she gets to go there.
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Review from K S (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My Daughter did her trial here in October 2023 and has been attending this nursery ever since. The second I viewed the nursery I knew I felt comfortable leaving her there. The staff were welcoming and clearly very passionate about their role in the children's lives. My Daughter has come on leaps...
My Daughter did her trial here in October 2023 and has been attending this nursery ever since. The second I viewed the nursery I knew I felt comfortable leaving her there. The staff were welcoming and clearly very passionate about their role in the children's lives. My Daughter has come on leaps and bounds since she's been going here and she has a lovely bond with all the staff. The home-cooked meals look and taste delicious. I love that there are stay-and-plays each term where the parents can interact with their children within the nursery environment and mix with the other parents and staff. I also really enjoy the app used and it gives regular updates on activities, meals, nap times, etc. The children also do yoga and dance as well as beach school and various other activities, which my little girl absolutely loves! I couldn't recommend this nursery enough!
It feels like you're leaving your child with a family member!
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Review from Lauren S (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter has been with this settling since it opened and my baby son has just started this week. My daughter asks to go to "school" even on the days she is not due, she loves it that much and I have great comfort as a parent that my children are loved and cared for whilst they are there. Highly...
My daughter has been with this settling since it opened and my baby son has just started this week. My daughter asks to go to "school" even on the days she is not due, she loves it that much and I have great comfort as a parent that my children are loved and cared for whilst they are there. Highly recommend.
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Review from Ali S (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son has been attending Rocking Horse since 2023, and I cannot rate them highly enough. Every day, he goes in happy and leaves smiling. All the staff are amazing, nurturing, and truly caring about the children. My son has multiple allergies, and their chef personally caters to his needs with...
My son has been attending Rocking Horse since 2023, and I cannot rate them highly enough. Every day, he goes in happy and leaves smiling. All the staff are amazing, nurturing, and truly caring about the children. My son has multiple allergies, and their chef personally caters to his needs with home-cooked meals. Management has done a fantastic job creating a nursery that maintains such a personal touch.
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Review from Yiwen C (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We are very luck to have found Rocking Horse to look after our baby. They are professional, knowledgeable, and the level of passion they show for building a nurturing environment for children is impressive. It's obvious to us that the management as well as the practitioners, truly care about...
We are very luck to have found Rocking Horse to look after our baby. They are professional, knowledgeable, and the level of passion they show for building a nurturing environment for children is impressive. It's obvious to us that the management as well as the practitioners, truly care about childcare. Children also benefit from cooked-from-scratch nutritious meals, which we get updated about everyday via the app.
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Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
News
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Upcoming Events
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How many Children does Rocking Horse Childcare Southend have capacity for?
Rocking Horse Childcare Southend has capacity for a total of 40 Children.
How far is Rocking Horse Childcare Southend to the centre of Southend-on-Sea?
0.4 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 Rocking Horse Childcare Southend to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Rocking Horse Childcare Southend has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.
