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Down in The Woods Pre-School

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Dec 2024)
·The Annexe, Chichester Walk, Wimborne, BH21 1ST · Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2024
Local authority
Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

About this early years setting

Down in The Woods Pre-School provides care for children aged two to four in Wimborne. It operates from 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The setting also runs an after-school club until 6pm and a holiday club from 9am to 6pm during school holidays. At its inspection in December 2024, Ofsted judged the overall effectiveness of the pre-school to be Outstanding.

The inspector found that leaders provide an ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum focused on the prime areas of learning. Staff deliver this through both planned activities and spontaneous interactions, with activities based on children's individual interests. Children are encouraged to develop problem-solving skills from an early age by testing their own ideas. Staff were seen to use daily routines like snack time to discuss mathematical concepts of size and weight, and to support early literacy through storytelling. Parents told the inspector their children make 'remarkable' progress.

What it's like

Leaders at Down in The Woods Pre-School Ltd provide an ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum focused on prime areas of learning, ensuring children develop essential skills for their future. Staff interactions, both planned and spontaneous, effectively deliver the curriculum, with an expert understanding of how learning areas connect. Children develop problem-solving skills from an early age by testing their own ideas.

Outstanding EducationAmbitious CurriculumIndividualised LearningStrong Parent PartnershipsEffective Communication DevelopmentCommunity Engagement

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare

Key facts

Opening hours

9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time only. In addition, there is an after-school club from 3.15pm to 6pm during term time, and a holiday club that operates from 9am to 6pm during school holidays.

Term time / All Year

Mixed

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Down in The Woods Pre-School

Last inspected 10 December 2024 · Chelsea Woollard

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

Leaders at Down in The Woods Pre-School Ltd provide an ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum focused on prime areas of learning, ensuring children develop essential skills for their future. Staff interactions, both planned and spontaneous, effectively deliver the curriculum, with an expert understanding of how learning areas connect. Children develop problem-solving skills from an early age by testing their own ideas.

Inspector highlights

  • Children make excellent progress in their learning through activities based on individual interests and 'parent planning'.
  • Staff have a secure knowledge of children's development and work closely with parents to complete detailed assessments.
  • Staff use targeted intervention times to closely monitor children's communication and language skills, promptly identifying and implementing strategies to close learning gaps.
  • Staff thoughtfully support children's early literacy skills, igniting their imaginations and love of literature through storytelling.
  • Leaders' passion and commitment influence all aspects of the setting, with continuous improvements made to benefit children.
Inspection #10367926 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents report on the consistent information-sharing and know children's next steps in learning.

Parents comment on the 'remarkable' progress that children make, in particular their confidence and social interactions.

Parents value the staff's dedication to and passion for their children's learning.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff use targeted intervention times to closely monitor children's communication and language skills. As a result, staff promptly identify and swiftly implement strategies to help close gaps in children's learning.

Outdoor space

The inspector observed children's activities and staff's teaching indoors and outdoors.

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2024

Date: October 2010

  • December 2024Outstanding
  • March 2019Good
  • April 2016Good
  • October 2010Good

Frequently asked about Down in The Woods Pre-School

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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