Our History

At Buttsbury Pre-school Billericay, we are proud of our long-standing tradition of providing high-quality early education to children in the heart of Billericay. From our humble beginnings in 1975 to our current position as one of the best pre-schools in Billericay, our journey has been shaped by a dedicated team of educators, parents, and volunteers.

Here’s a look back at the milestones that have defined our history:

June 1975 – Our Humble Beginnings

Buttsbury Pre-school Billericay was founded by local parents Gill Rolfe and Sandra Tipper as a playgroup aimed at providing a social space for children and parents in the community. This marked the beginning of our commitment to delivering high-quality early education in Billericay, helping local children form relationships and learn through play.

1979 – A New Chapter in Leadership

As the playgroup continued to thrive, founder Gill Rolfe stepped down to return to her teaching career. By this time, the group had grown significantly - from just twenty-five 2-year-olds to over 125 children. Myra stepped into the leadership role, guiding the playgroup through its next phase of development and continuing the strong foundation Gill helped to build.

January 2010 – Becoming a Charitable Organisation

In January 2010, Buttsbury Pre-school was formally incorporated as a charitable company, solidifying our status as a community-driven, not-for-profit pre-school in Billericay. This transition allowed us to continue expanding and improving our services for the families of Billericay.

February 2011 – Building for the Future

Construction began in February 2011 on our current, state-of-the-art pre-school building. Replacing an outdated demountable structure, our new facility was designed to provide a safe, modern, and inspiring learning environment for the children of our Billericay pre-school.

May 2011 – Opening of Our New Premises

In May 2011, our new, purpose-built pre-school building was officially opened by local MP, John Baron. The new facility featured:

A bright and spacious playroom with bifold doors creating a whole play space, indoors and out.
An outdoor playground with a canopy designed for play and exploration.
A unique sensory room, reflecting our focus on providing an outstanding pre-school experience in Billericay.
A training room, enabling focused small group activities.

January 2012 – New Leadership

Following the retirement of previous manager Ann Eldridge, Tracey Woodman and Julie Crosby took over the leadership of Buttsbury Pre-school in January 2012. Their vision and dedication continue to shape our pre-school into one of the top pre-schools in Billericay.

July 2012 – Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Rating

In July 2012, Buttsbury Pre-school Billericay received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, a true reflection of our commitment to offering the best learning opportunities for children in Billericay.

May 2014 – Enhancing Our Sensory Room

Phase one of our sensory room installation was completed in May 2014. Thanks to the generous fundraising efforts of our parents, we added features such as a pinwheel colour projector, bubble tube, and fibre optic lighting, further enhancing our outstanding pre-school in Billericay.

May 2016 – A Second Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Rating

In May 2016, Buttsbury Pre-school Billericay was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for a second time, reinforcing our reputation as one of the best pre-schools in Billericay. Our continued focus on high-quality care and nurturing education helped us maintain this top rating.

November 2019 – Third Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Rating

In November 2019, we proudly received our third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted, cementing our status as one of the top pre-schools in Billericay. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to providing an enriching learning experience for every child.

June 2025 – Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

In June 2025, Buttsbury Pre-school Billericay celebrates its 50th anniversary! This milestone reflects our decades of dedication to providing exceptional care and early education, making us one of the most trusted pre-schools in Billericay.

We are incredibly proud of our history and the children and families we’ve served over the years. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to being one of the best pre-schools in Billericay, providing a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

If you’d like to learn more about our journey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on: 01277 631816 or admin@buttsburypreschool.org.uk