The Chase Nursery Clacton

A former chapel gives The Chase Nursery Clacton its character: the building has been adapted into a sensory nursery, with capacity for 29 children aged two to five. This Cambridge Road setting combines a town-centre address with an inspection account rich in practical exploration, outdoor learning and growing independence.

At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. The strongest examples involved children investigating materials, discussing books and taking responsibility for everyday tasks. There were also two clear teaching priorities: giving children longer to express their ideas and helping quieter children participate in group learning. Those distinctions matter more than the grade alone.

Opening hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care here: play and everyday activities bring together communication, early number skills and increasing independence. The June 2023 examples make that concrete. Children experimented with ice and warm water, discovering concealed animals as the ice melted. That gave them something observable to investigate, rather than an explanation to memorise.

In June 2023, sand play also prompted children to remember beach experiences and talk about shells. Linking an activity to something familiar gave them material for conversation. The teaching limitation was equally specific: adults sometimes moved on before children had enough opportunity to contribute their own thinking. For a child who needs time to formulate an answer, the pace of an activity matters.

Number work in June 2023 was woven into creative play and group discussion. Younger children counted while painting an octopus; older children counted the children present. Books supplied another starting point for thinking, with older children comparing dinosaurs in a story. These examples show how counting and language could grow from an activity children were already enjoying.

Outdoor and Community Life

Outdoor learning was a substantial part of the June 2023 nursery day. Children chose activities and explored ideas, while staff positioned themselves to join in and support their play. The practical value was room for children to make decisions, rather than following an adult through every step.

The former chapel has been adapted into a sensory nursery, giving the building an early-years purpose.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff understood individual learning needs, used observations to plan subsequent learning and supported good progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This was an account of staff knowing children closely and using that knowledge in daily activities.

In June 2023, care routines also gave children opportunities to practise independence. Younger children worked on washing their hands, while older children helped prepare snacks. Toothbrushing and drinking water after exercise brought health into the nursery day. These were manageable responsibilities with a clear purpose, allowing children to do useful things for themselves and others.

Relationships in June 2023 included adults helping children manage disagreements, share resources and wait for a turn. Staff reinforced expectations when difficulties arose. Parents were also given activities and ideas to continue learning at home, connecting nursery experiences with family life rather than leaving learning at the nursery door.

Current staff development includes courses covering First Aid, Child Protection and SENCO (Special Needs).

Sessions and Attendance

The nursery is open during term time and closes for school holidays. Its Monday-to-Friday opening window runs from 8.30am until 4.30pm. That calendar is a significant practical consideration for parents whose working year continues through the holidays.

Getting There

The address is Gospel Hall, Cambridge Road, Clacton-On-Sea, CO15 3QL; the nursery's street address is 21 Cambridge Road. Enquiries go directly to the Clacton team on 01255 483141 or by email to clacton@thechasenursery.co.uk.

Funding and Paid Extras

Funded childcare is offered, with 15- and 30-hour funding options subject to eligibility. The nursery's attendance calendar is term time. Families should obtain a current written quotation for prices.

• Quieter children. In June 2023, group teaching did not consistently draw quieter children into learning. During a visit, ask how practitioners adjust activities for a child who watches before joining in.
• Time to contribute. The June 2023 teaching priorities included allowing children longer to express their own ideas. Ask how adults give children thinking time during shared activities.
• Term-time attendance. Closure during school holidays makes the calendar as important as the daily opening hours. Families needing childcare throughout the year should weigh that against their working commitments.
• Sensory environment. The former chapel has been adapted into a sensory nursery. During a visit with your child, consider how the environment suits their temperament and interests.

The Chase Nursery Clacton suits families seeking term-time childcare for children aged two to five, with sensory play and an inspection-era emphasis on exploration and practical independence. Its appeal lies in concrete experiences: investigating melting ice, talking about stories and helping with everyday tasks. The balance is clear. The June 2023 teaching priorities make participation and thinking time useful subjects for a visit, especially for a quieter child.