--- title: "Chipmunks Day Nursery, Dorchester | Nursery Advice" description: "Chipmunks Day Nursery in Dorchester. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews 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, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946#nursery", "name": "Chipmunks Day Nursery", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "6 HERRINGSTON ROAD", "addressLocality": "DORCHESTER", "postalCode": "DT1 2BS" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946#webpage" }, "telephone": "01305 760060", "email": "weymouth@chipmunksdaynursery.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://chipmunksdaynursery.co.uk" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 50.705079, "longitude": -2.44019 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "DORCHESTER" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Requires Improvement", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 2, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Emma Baker" }, "reviewBody": "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.\nMy daughter has also used the holiday club and has always enjoyed her time there.", "datePublished": "2022-03-04T10:36:45.647176Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Mark G" }, "datePublished": "2024-07-05T15:54:15.728951Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946#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": "Chipmunks Day Nursery", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What kind of childcare setting is Chipmunks Day Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Chipmunks Day Nursery is a childcare setting on non-domestic premises providing full day care for children aged from birth to four years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the fees at Chipmunks Day Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Fees are published by age group and session. For 0-2 years, a session costs £45 and a full two-session day costs £89.20; hourly care is £10.30 with a three-hour minimum. For 2-3 years, a session costs £43.85 and a full day costs £87.70." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did Chipmunks Day Nursery do at its last Ofsted inspection?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Requires improvement. The inspection date was 24/09/2025." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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. Chipmunks Day Nursery # Chipmunks Day Nursery in Dorchester Compare Contact Nursery 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 - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 learning EYFS curriculum Inclusive approach Parental 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-olds 15 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. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Chipmunks Day Nursery Inspection date Sept 2025 Inspection no. 10414784 Lead inspector Mikaela Jauncey, Marie Swindells Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50290872)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY454946) 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://chipmunksdaynursery.co.uk) 6 HERRINGSTON ROAD, DORCHESTER, DT1 2BS [© 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#/-2.44019/50.70508/14) [](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=chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946) ## 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 - 1 ensure that staff focus their interactions on supporting what they plan and intend for children to learn, so all children engage in purposeful learning - 2 strengthen arrangements for individual staff supervision sessions to support consistently high-quality interactions for all children. - 3 strengthen the organisation of the environment and activities to fully promote children's engagement in meaningful learning. Inspection #10414784 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50290872) ## 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) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJml4hVZUXMX16ZeiWy1w-W5Rg0dMOyndODyFzY8R_0mxq2bQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNXN2VEQnJ3RRAB!2m1!1s0x487259d062be2991:0xba48f30049cbd81b) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUwuean9mdq4if5Yayalyn4wiCQSH_DpO_h_4qxceIEJkYKQq9xsQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba3) Mark G a year ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNyc3ZTX1dBEAE!2m1!1s0x487259d062be2991:0xba48f30049cbd81b) Reviews from Google for Chipmunks Day Nursery. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13423245871941408795&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Inadequate → Requires improvement in 2025 Date: April 2013 - September 2025 Requires improvement - June 2025 Inadequate - January 2025 Inadequate - September 2022 Good - October 2016 Good - April 2013 Good ## Frequently asked about Chipmunks Day Nursery ### What kind of childcare setting is Chipmunks Day Nursery? ### What are the fees at Chipmunks Day Nursery? ### How did Chipmunks Day Nursery do at its last Ofsted inspection? ## Nearby day nurseries in DORCHESTER Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Chipmunks Day Nursery. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.5 mi ### The Grove Pre-School Playgroup Dorchester · DT1 2LA ](/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370) - [ Ofsted rating unavailable 0.6 mi ### Little Robins Nursery Dorchester · DT1 1EB ](/nursery/little-robins-nursery-dt1-1eb-2813369) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Summertime Nursery & Preschool Dorchester · DT1 2ET ](/nursery/summertime-nursery-preschool-dt1-2et-ey493659) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.0 mi ### Sunny Day Nursery & Play Club Dorchester · DT1 3WA 4.3(18 reviews) ](/nursery/sunny-day-nursery-play-club-dt1-3wa-ey216520) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 2.1 mi ### Charminster Preschool Dorchester · DT2 9RD ](/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568) - [ Ofsted: Good 4.2 mi ### Preston Pre-School Weymouth · DT3 6BH ](/nursery/preston-pre-school-ltd-dt3-6bh-ey474916) [See all nurseries in DORCHESTER →](/search?q=DORCHESTER) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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