--- title: "Charminster Preschool — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted" description: "Charminster Preschool, a nursery in Dorchester — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568#nursery", "name": "Charminster Preschool", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "St. Marys C of E VC First School", "addressLocality": "West Hill", "postalCode": "DT2 9RD" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568#webpage" }, "telephone": "01305 251512", "email": "info@charminsterpreschool.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://www.charminsterpreschool.co.uk" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 50.732791, "longitude": -2.457411 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "DORCHESTER" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Outstanding" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "South West", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20West" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Charminster Preschool", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Charminster Preschool have an Ofsted rating?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Charminster Preschool is rated Outstanding, with the last inspection completed on 29/11/2022." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "From what age does Charminster Preschool accept children?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The preschool accepts children from age 2 through to age 4." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When was Charminster Preschool established?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Charminster Preschool has operated since 1971 as a charity-run preschool." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the fees at Charminster Preschool?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From autumn term 2025, unfunded sessions are charged at £6.84 per hour for 3 and 4 year olds and £7.58 per hour for 2 year olds. After Preschool Club costs £10.50 per session, and optional additional charges are £1.50 for Early Start, £1.50 for Morning Session, and £3.00 for Day Session." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is Charminster Preschool classified by Ofsted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is classified as childcare on non-domestic premises and operates as full day care." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Charminster Preschool support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff identify additional needs quickly and put support in place both at preschool and at home. Support is tailored to each child, with close work around communication development, including sign language where needed, and regular staff discussions to plan next steps for individual progress." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South West](/search?region=South+West) 4. Charminster Preschool # Charminster Preschool Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Outstanding (Nov 2022) · St. Marys C of E VC First School, West Hill, DORCHESTER, DT2 9RD · Dorset Number of places 34 places Age range 2–4 yrs Last inspected Nov 2022 Local authority Dorset About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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-run Outstanding Ofsted rating Strong focus on outdoor play Close 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-olds 15 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 See 1 more 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. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Charminster Preschool Inspection date Nov 2022 Inspection no. 10233695 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50203809)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY337568) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://www.charminsterpreschool.co.uk) St. Marys C of E VC First School, West Hill, DORCHESTER, DT2 9RD [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-2.45741/50.73279/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near DORCHESTER - [Day nurseries in DORCHESTER](/search?q=DORCHESTER) - [Day nurseries in South West](/search?q=South+West) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568) ## Key facts 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) 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 Safeguarding effective 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: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50203809) ## 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 2022 Outstanding - January 2017 Good - May 2013 Good - March 2009 Good ## Frequently asked about Charminster Preschool ### Does Charminster Preschool have an Ofsted rating? ### From what age does Charminster Preschool accept children? ### When was Charminster Preschool established? ### What are the fees at Charminster Preschool? ### How is Charminster Preschool classified by Ofsted? ### How does Charminster Preschool support children with SEND? ## Nearby day nurseries in DORCHESTER Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Charminster Preschool. - [ Ofsted: Good 1.6 mi ### Sunny Day Nursery & Play Club Dorchester · DT1 3WA 4.3(18 reviews) ](/nursery/sunny-day-nursery-play-club-dt1-3wa-ey216520) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.6 mi ### The Grove Pre-School Playgroup Dorchester · DT1 2LA ](/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.7 mi ### Summertime Nursery & Preschool Dorchester · DT1 2ET ](/nursery/summertime-nursery-preschool-dt1-2et-ey493659) - [ Ofsted rating unavailable 1.8 mi ### Little Robins Nursery Dorchester · DT1 1EB ](/nursery/little-robins-nursery-dt1-1eb-2813369) - [ Ofsted: Requires improvement 2.1 mi ### Chipmunks Day Nursery Dorchester · DT1 2BS ](/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946) [See all nurseries in DORCHESTER →](/search?q=DORCHESTER) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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