Opening hours
Monday - Friday; Early Start: 8:30am to 9:00am, Morning Session: 9:00am to 12:30pm, Day Session: 9:00am to 3:00pm, Day & After Preschool Club: 9:00 to 4:00pm (Monday - Wednesday)
Charminster Preschool
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Nov 2022)
Number of places
34 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2022
Local authority
Dorset
About this day nursery
Charminster Pre-school, established in 1971, is a charity-run institution located in a purpose-built log cabin within the peaceful grounds of St. Mary's First School. It offers a nurturing environment for children from two years old up to school entry, prioritising outdoor play and exploration in all weather conditions.
The pre-school received an "Outstanding" rating across all areas in its November 2022 Ofsted inspection, with inspectors praising its stimulating environment and the dramatic progress children make in their communication skills and vocabulary. The dedicated staff team is known for inspiring curiosity and motivating children to investigate.
The pre-school maintains strong ties with St Mary’s First School, facilitating a smooth transition for children preparing for reception class through various school-based activities. It operates Monday to Friday, with sessions available in the mornings and full days, and also offers an After Preschool Club.
Optional additional charges cover costs for breakfast, snacks, and enriching activities like Forest School and special outings. The pre-school accepts various government funding options, including for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds.
What it's like
Children relish attending this exceptional pre-school, where they can explore exciting environments and benefit from the highest level of support for their learning. They arrive full of enthusiasm and settle immediately, showing how safe and content they feel. They excitedly investigate the stimulating activities. Children are exceptionally well behaved and show great care and respect for one another.
Charity-runOutstanding Ofsted ratingStrong focus on outdoor playClose links with local school
Pricing & funding
The nursery charges hourly rates for unfunded sessions, with separate age bands for two-year-olds and older children. Funded hours are offered during the day, with an optional after-school club on select days. Optional session charges cover snacks, breakfast, and extra provisions like Forest School.
Funding accepted
30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
- Unfunded session (3 & 4 year olds)£6.84 / hour
- Unfunded session (2 year olds)£7.58 / hour
- After Preschool Club£10.50 / session
- Early Start (Optional Additional Charge)£1.50 / session
- Morning Session (Optional Additional Charge)£1.50 / session
Good to know
- Funded hours are offered between 8:30am and 3:00pm, Monday to Friday.
- After Preschool Club is available from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, Monday to Wednesday.
- Optional charges cover breakfast, snacks, Forest School, trips, and special occasions.
Key facts
Session types
Morning Session, Day Session, Day & After Preschool Club
Age range
2 to 4 years old
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Charminster Preschool
Last inspected 29 November 2022
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 relish attending this exceptional pre-school, where they can explore exciting environments and benefit from the highest level of support for their learning. They arrive full of enthusiasm and settle immediately, showing how safe and content they feel. They excitedly investigate the stimulating activities. Children are exceptionally well behaved and show great care and respect for one another.
Inspector highlights
- Staff know children exceptionally well and meet weekly to discuss what each child needs to work on next, enabling them to tailor activities and learning opportunities for individual progress.
- Children relish exploring the exciting and well-resourced play areas, both indoors and outside, with a strong focus on outdoor play that broadens activity and resource choices.
- Children develop excellent communication skills, with staff providing highly effective support, including sign language, for those who need extra help to catch up.
- Children behave exceptionally well, showing great respect for one another, and staff skilfully help them understand and manage emotions, fostering strong friendships and social skills.
- Partnerships with parents are excellent, with staff working closely to meet children's care and learning needs, offering a lending library, online story time, a gardening club, and support for families in need.
Inspection #10233695 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents comment on the wide range of vocabulary their children are learning.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The skilled staff have the highest expectations of all children. They rapidly identify those who may need additional support and ensure that this is quickly put in place, both in the pre-school and at home. Staff provide highly effective support for those children that need extra help to catch up in communication skills.
Outdoor space
Children relish exploring the exciting and well-resourced play areas, both indoors and outside. There is a strong focus on outdoor play, which broadens the range of activities and resources available for children to choose from. Older children spend much of the day outside, including snack time, and excitedly set off for forest-based activities, which provide further exciting outdoor learning experiences.
Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2022
Date: March 2009
- November 2022Outstanding
- January 2017Good
- May 2013Good
- March 2009Good
Frequently asked about Charminster Preschool
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