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Chipmunks Day Nursery in Dorchester

Ofsted: Requires improvement
(Sept 2025)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·6 HERRINGSTON ROAD, DORCHESTER, DT1 2BS · Dorset
Number of places
153 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2025
Local authority
Dorset

About this day nursery

Chipmunks Day Nursery, with locations in Weymouth and Dorchester, has been providing childcare since 1991. The nursery focuses on supporting children's development and learning through play-based activities, adhering to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

They aim to create an engaging and stimulating environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. The nursery values parental involvement, viewing parents as primary educators and fostering strong home-nursery connections to enhance learning.

They also cater to individual needs, including dietary requirements and Special Educational Needs (SEN), ensuring an inclusive environment for all children. Meals and essential baby care items like nappies and wipes are included in the full day rate.

Our ethos

Chipmunks Day Nursery's philosophy is rooted in play-based learning and the EYFS framework, aiming to foster a stimulating environment for children's development. They emphasise the importance of parental partnerships, viewing parents as key educators, and are committed to inclusivity and meeting individual needs.

What it's like

Leaders have addressed some of the weaknesses from the last inspection and are committed to making further improvements. However, although children appear settled and happy to attend, they do not benefit from consistent high-quality interactions from staff to extend their learning. Additionally, staff do not consistently consider the organisation of the environment to ensure that all children can actively engage in activities.

Play-based learningEYFS curriculumInclusive approachParental involvement

Pricing & funding

The nursery offers half-day sessions, full days, and hourly booking options for children aged 0 to 3 years. Full-day care includes lunchtime supervision and lunch prepared by the nursery's cook, while hourly care requires a minimum booking.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
  • Gloworms (0-2 Years) - 1 Session (07:45 - 13:00 or 13:00 - 18:00)£45 / session
  • Gloworms (0-2 Years) - Full 2 Session Day (07:45 - 18:00)£89.20 / day
  • Gloworms (0-2 Years) - Hourly Rate (3 Hours Minimum)£10.30 / hour
  • Bumblebees (2-3 Years) - 1 Session (07:45 - 13:00 or 13:00 - 18:00)£43.85 / session
  • Bumblebees (2-3 Years) - Full 2 Session Day (10 Hours)£87.70 / day

Good to know

  • Minimum booking of 3 hours applies for hourly rates.
  • Hourly bookings must be made in complete hours between 08:00 and 18:00.
  • Full-day sessions include lunch and lunchtime supervision.
  • Half-day sessions run from 07:45 to 13:00 or 13:00 to 18:00.

Key facts

Food

Breakfast, tea time meals, and cooked lunch are provided. Snacks, milk, and formula milk are also included. The nursery accommodates dietary needs with individual plans.

Opening hours

weekdays 07.45 - 18.00

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Chipmunks Day Nursery

Last inspected 24 September 2025 · Mikaela Jauncey, Marie Swindells

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of education
Requires improvement
Behaviour and attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal development
Requires improvement
Leadership and management
Requires improvement

What it's like to attend

Leaders have addressed some of the weaknesses from the last inspection and are committed to making further improvements. However, although children appear settled and happy to attend, they do not benefit from consistent high-quality interactions from staff to extend their learning. Additionally, staff do not consistently consider the organisation of the environment to ensure that all children can actively engage in activities.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders have an overview of the curriculum and know what they want children to achieve.
  • Staff know the children they care for well and plan appropriate next steps in learning.
  • Staff assess and monitor children's progress regularly and act swiftly to identify gaps in learning.
  • Effective support is in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
  • Parent partnerships are positive, and staff work to understand children's interests, needs, and care routines and involve parents in their children's learning.

Areas to develop

  • 1ensure that staff focus their interactions on supporting what they plan and intend for children to learn, so all children engage in purposeful learning
  • 2strengthen arrangements for individual staff supervision sessions to support consistently high-quality interactions for all children.
  • 3strengthen the organisation of the environment and activities to fully promote children's engagement in meaningful learning.
Inspection #10414784 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents say they feel their children are happy and safe at the setting.

They appreciate staff telling them about daily activities and say they feel involved in their children's learning.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff assess and monitor children's progress regularly. They act swiftly to identify any gaps in children's learning and put additional support in place. There is effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff follow advice from other professionals and work with parents and carers to help children to achieve their set goals.

Outdoor space

children are keen to learn how to use hoops in the playground. They watch staff and are eager to copy. However, the hoops are too big for young children to manage and manipulate. This leads to frustration and children lose interest.

Parent Reviews of Chipmunks Day Nursery

5.0
(2)
Emma Baker
4 years ago

My daughter and son have both attended Chipmunks Day Nursery in Dorchester before they started school. They both had a really good experience and were always well cared for. I always felt comfortable leaving my children, knowing they were getting to socialise and take part in activities to help them learn and develop. My daughter has also used the holiday club and has always enjoyed her time there.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Chipmunks Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Requires improvement in 2025

Date: April 2013

  • September 2025Requires improvement
  • June 2025Inadequate
  • January 2025Inadequate
  • September 2022Good
  • October 2016Good
  • April 2013Good

Frequently asked about Chipmunks Day Nursery

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