Opening hours
Monday - Friday 08:00-17:00
Bolitho Nursery
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jan 2025)
Number of places
44 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2025
Local authority
Cornwall
About this day nursery
Bolitho Nursery, nestled in Penzance, brings over two decades of experience to early childhood education, specialising in children aged 3 months to 5 years. Renowned for its 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating in 2025, the nursery prides itself on offering not just exceptional care but also an educationally stimulating environment where each child's individuality is celebrated.
The philosophy centres around nurturing independence and fostering potential through play. A unique feature is its 'Intergenerational Care Partnership' with the nearby Frances Bolitho Care Home, encouraging meaningful relationships between the generations.
The nursery maintains strong ties with the local community, organising frequent outings, and keeps families engaged through regular updates via a parent app, emails, and phone calls. Children benefit from varied indoor and outdoor activities, including a 'duck garden' and muddy walks within the grounds.
The nursery also provides valuable parental support through informative courses on topics such as parenting tips, first aid, and school transitions. Bolitho Nursery prioritises creating a safe, happy, and supportive setting for all children, with staff dedicated to their development and well-being.
Our ethos
Bolitho Nursery's philosophy centres around nurturing independence and fostering potential through play, celebrating each child's individuality. They emphasise a unique 'Intergenerational Care Partnership' with a local care home, fostering relationships between children and the elderly. The nursery is committed to providing a safe, happy, and supportive environment that supports children's development and well-being.
What it's like
Children thrive in a rich learning environment where highly skilled staff guide them with respect and understanding, fostering a keen desire to learn. The ambitious curriculum is well embedded and effective, leading to all children making exceptional progress. Children feel safe and secure, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.
Ofsted Outstanding 2025Intergenerational Care PartnershipExperienced StaffStrong Community Links
Pricing & funding
Fees are structured according to age bands spanning under twos, two to three years, and three years plus. Parents can choose between half-day sessions and various full-day options, with session availability varying by the child's age group.
Funding accepted
15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
- Half Day Session (2-3 years) 08:00-13:00£41.95 / session
- Half Day Session (2-3 years) 13:00-17:00£33.56 / session
- Half Day Session (3+ years) 08:00-13:00£39.50 / session
- Half Day Session (3+ years) 13:00-17:00£31.60 / session
- Full Day Session (0-2 years) 08:00-16:00£69.12 / session
Good to know
- Fees are effective from 1st April 2025.
- Half-day sessions are not available for children aged 0-2 years.
- Full-day options include 8-hour and 9-hour sessions, subject to age-band availability.
Key facts
Age range
3 months and 5 years
Session types
Full year, Term time only
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Bolitho Nursery
Last inspected 20 January 2025
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
What it's like to attend
Children thrive in a rich learning environment where highly skilled staff guide them with respect and understanding, fostering a keen desire to learn. The ambitious curriculum is well embedded and effective, leading to all children making exceptional progress. Children feel safe and secure, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.
Inspector highlights
- Children thrive in a rich learning environment where staff guide them with respect and understanding.
- The ambitious curriculum is well embedded and effective, leading to exceptional progress for all children.
- Staff superbly guide children to develop rich intergenerational relationships through weekly visits to a nearby nursing home.
- There is an inspiring focus on helping children understand the wider world and different cultures.
- The provider prioritises staff well-being, and staff feel very well supported and highly valued in their roles.
Inspection #10368277 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
parents say the take-home learning packs are very helpful during times of change, such as a new sibling arriving or when children need help with personal care or communication skills.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported by the staff team.
Outdoor space
Pre-schoolers assess the weather and decide what they need to wear when outdoors. Daily walks in large outdoor areas guide babies and toddlers to build their understanding of animals and plants. In the 'duck garden,' pre-schoolers learn how to care for animals.
Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2025
Date: March 2019
- January 2025Outstanding
- March 2019Good
Frequently asked about Bolitho Nursery
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