Opening hours
Each weekday, from 8.45am to 3.25pm
Dragonflies Preschool
Ofsted: Good
(Nov 2023)
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2023
Local authority
Devon
About this day nursery
Dragonflies Preschool, an integral part of the vibrant community in Axminster, operates within a classroom at St Mary's Catholic Primary School. Catering to children from the age of two, the preschool offers a nurturing and engaging environment focused on early years education.
While there is no on-site parking, convenient options are available nearby at the Flamingo Pool and surrounding streets, ensuring easy access for families. The preschool prides itself on its flexible session offerings, allowing parents to tailor their child's attendance to individual needs, with options for 3, 5, or 6-hour sessions.
Dragonflies Preschool actively supports various government funding schemes, including both 15 and 30 hours of early years education funding, demonstrating its commitment to accessible childcare. The dedicated team is readily available to address queries regarding sessions and fees, providing comprehensive support to prospective and current families.
The preschool's commitment to quality care and education is evident in its adherence to statutory guidelines and its emphasis on transparent communication with parents, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience for every child.
What it's like
Children benefit from a welcoming and nurturing environment, arriving happy and settling well. Staff provide comfort and help children develop positive attitudes and behaviour. The curriculum focuses on outdoor learning and children enjoy activities in the school grounds and local community, showing curiosity and motivation in their learning.
Accepts 2-year-oldsFlexible session lengthsPartnership with St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged hourly and vary by age, with separate rates for two-year-olds and children aged three to four. Flexible sessions can end at 11.45am, 1.45pm, or 2.45pm, with an optional late pickup. A termly consumable charge is applied.
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds
Good to know
- A termly charge is applied for consumables such as wipes, sun cream, and other resources.
- Late pickup until 3.25pm is charged per session and cannot be claimed under childcare funding.
Key facts
Age range
2-4 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Dragonflies Preschool
Last inspected 7 November 2023 · Bridget Copson
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children benefit from a welcoming and nurturing environment, arriving happy and settling well. Staff provide comfort and help children develop positive attitudes and behaviour. The curriculum focuses on outdoor learning and children enjoy activities in the school grounds and local community, showing curiosity and motivation in their learning.
Inspector highlights
- The quality of teaching is good, with staff monitoring progress closely and providing targeted next steps.
- Children move freely between the playroom and outdoor area, leading their play and exploring the natural environment.
- Children learn new words regularly and staff provide targeted activities for those needing additional support in language development.
- Partnerships with parents and other professionals are excellent, with staff gaining a wealth of information and encouraging further learning at home.
- The strong and efficient management team works closely with staff to evaluate and make ongoing improvements, valuing professional development.
Areas to develop
- 1provide time and opportunity for children to think and respond to questions to strengthen their thinking and communication skills even further.
Inspection #10304919 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents express extremely positive views of the provision, in particular the excellent communication from staff in person and on-line.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff provide targeted activities to help those needing additional support in their development. For example, staff sign, use flashcards and provide one-to-one and small-group sessions to help children build their language skills.
Outdoor space
Children move freely between the playroom and outdoor area, leading their play. They enjoy planned and spontaneous walks in the school grounds to explore the natural environment and to collect resources for their imaginative play.
Inspection history
Date: February 2018
- November 2023Good
- February 2018Good
Frequently asked about Dragonflies Preschool
About the setting
Dragonflies Preschool registered in 2015 and operates from Axminster, Devon. It opens each weekday, from 8.45am to 3.25pm, during term time only. The group receives funding to provide free early years education for children aged two, three and four years and employs seven staff to work with children, six of whom hold appropriate qualifications at levels 3 to 6.
- URN
- EY496057
- Registered person
- Dragonflies Pre-School CIO
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
- Previous rating
- Good
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