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Dandelion Education in Norwich

Ofsted: Good
(Dec 2021)
·
5.0(8 parent reviews) ·Eaton Vale, Church Lane, Norwich, NR4 6NN · Norfolk
Number of places
35 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2021
Local authority
Norfolk

About this day nursery

Dandelion Education Ltd offers a unique forest school and philosophy-led nursery experience in Norwich, providing an environment where children aged 2-5 can thrive through exploration of the natural world. Founded by Hayley Room and Emma Harwood, the nursery focuses on hands-on learning and fosters an early love for nature, ensuring every child feels valued and inspired.

With an Ofsted "Outstanding" rating across all areas, Dandelion Education prides itself on inspirational leadership, a dedicated team, and teaching that ignites curiosity and resilience. They champion Philosophy for Children (P4C), an approach that teaches critical thinking and communication skills, rather than simply memorisation.

They advocate for children to defer entry to formal schooling, offering a play-based curriculum for reception-aged children and flexi-education sessions, believing that an early start to formalised learning is too soon. Beyond the nursery, Dandelion also provides specialist provision through "The Patch" for children who require more space to grow, Stay & Play groups for families with younger children, and holiday clubs.

Its three locations in Aylsham, Wymondham, and Eaton Vale each offer a distinct natural setting.

Our ethos

Dandelion Education Ltd champions Philosophy for Children (P4C), favouring a play-based curriculum and critical thinking over early formalisation. They are committed to providing a unique forest school experience, allowing children to thrive through hands-on learning and exploration of the natural world, igniting curiosity and resilience.

What it's like

All children are warmly welcomed and receive individual attention and reassurance to ease their transition into the nursery. Children form warm bonds with staff, who know them very well and adapt the curriculum to their starting points. Activities take place in the open air, under protective canopies or in a heated yurt, with children choosing from a wide range of challenging activities planned according to their interests and learning needs.

Forest SchoolPhilosophy for Children SpecialistsOfsted OutstandingTeacher LedUnbeatable Ratios

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 5.30pm.

Age range

2-8

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Dandelion Education

Last inspected 1 December 2021

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

What it's like to attend

All children are warmly welcomed and receive individual attention and reassurance to ease their transition into the nursery. Children form warm bonds with staff, who know them very well and adapt the curriculum to their starting points. Activities take place in the open air, under protective canopies or in a heated yurt, with children choosing from a wide range of challenging activities planned according to their interests and learning needs.

Inspector highlights

  • The management team is passionate about the curriculum and staff are enthusiastic, with a comprehensive professional development programme.
  • Children enjoy a balance of child- and adult-led activities, including phonics, number recognition, and creative early writing skills.
  • Staff focus on communication and language development with all children, including those learning English as an additional language.
  • Staff make effective use of observation and assessment, swiftly identifying gaps in children's learning.
  • Parents are complimentary about the service and feel listened to, appreciating the staff's commitment and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Areas to develop

  • 1review toilet and nappy changing arrangements, particularly during cold weather, so that young children, and those who are in the process of toilet training, are able to be more comfortable and supported to manage their own personal needs
  • 2support staff to better capture and maintain the interest of the youngest children and those with additional needs, particularly at times when children of all ages are brought together into one large group.
Inspection #10216203 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents, several of whom have specifically chosen this nursery for its philosophy, are complimentary about the service on offer.

They feel listened to and that any concerns that they may raise are addressed swiftly.

Parents recognise the commitment of the staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciate the support, activities and ideas, which they could undertake at home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Gaps in children's learning are swiftly identified. The special educational needs coordinator works closely in partnership with parents and with other professionals. Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is sensitive and tailored to meet children's individual needs.

Outdoor space

All activities take place in the open air, under protective canopies or in a yurt, which is heated during colder weather. Children choose from a wide range of challenging activities, planned according to their interests and/or learning needs, covering all areas of learning. The nursery is solely outdoor based for children aged two years and over.

Parent Reviews of Dandelion Education

5.0
(8)
Ruth Biene
a year ago

My boys (2 and 4 years) love going to Dandelion in Eaton Vale. They quickly bonded with the wonderful staff. I really appreciate that there are 3 male staff members working there as I think it is important for my boys to have male role models. All the staff at Dandelions are absolutely brilliant, very fun, approachable and considerate. When I pick up my kids they are often covered in mud and laughing with absolute bliss. I wish they could go to a state funded Dandelion School after leaving nursery because I think this is the best kind of learning environment a child can experience!!!

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Bernice Wiafe Aboaku
a year ago

Is one of the best educational training a child can get before he or she move on to the higher level. The teachers are receptive and friendly. Dandelion is there to train up your child the way they should go and when they grow up they will not depart from the training.

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Lewis Swift
2 years ago

I cannot praise Dandelions highly enough, I really can't. Nursery was something our son was always going to find challenging but with the unwavering encouragement and support of the staff he is making great strides. Every step of the way the staff have used their expertise and their passion for their work to help him adapt and thrive. Crucially, they have taken the time to get to know him and understand him. And what really shines through in our conversations with staff is their commitment to helping him progress academically, emotionally and socially. What you get with Dandelions is the knowledge that your child is in an environment where they can be creative and adventurous whilst being 100% confident that they are safe and supported by a team of brilliant early years practitioners.

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Andrew Weeks
2 years ago

This could not have been a better start for our daughter; she adores her time at Dandies and we have been thrilled with the phonics and numeracy that she has absorbed during play. The staff are trustworthy, sensible and extremely attentive which we found especially reassuring in the depths of winter when they paid careful attention to the children's warmth and energy levels. A very special place for little people to spend their formative years.

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Jed Cawkwell
2 years ago

An amazing, enchanting place which allows children to explore their surroundings and their relationships with both peers and grown ups safely. Dandelion has been perfect for our children, one who has now confidently started school, and another who has just started at Dandelion and is loving it!

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Reviews from Google for Dandelion Education. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

1 December 2021

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more