Dunkeswell Pre-school CIO

About this day nursery

Dunkeswell Pre-school CIO, established in 2020, is a charity-run childcare setting located in Honiton. Open during term-time, the pre-school welcomes children aged 2 to 4 years.

Operating hours are from 8am to 3pm on Monday to Wednesday, and 9am to 3pm on Thursday and Friday. The pre-school received a 'Good' rating in its latest Ofsted inspection on 29 June 2023.

Children at Dunkeswell Pre-school CIO settle quickly and develop a positive attitude to learning, forming strong relationships with staff who know them well. The curriculum is effectively planned, ensuring all children receive high-quality learning opportunities.

Children become increasingly independent, taking care of their environment and understanding health and hygiene practices. The pre-school places a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, with daily opportunities for exercise where children develop large-muscle skills through climbing, balancing, and using the slide.

Staff successfully plan activities to cover all areas of development, both indoors and outdoors, allowing children to choose where they prefer to learn. For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), staff plan good small-group activities, providing early help and support to help them catch up and prepare for school.

The pre-school facilitates children becoming confident communicators through meaningful discussions and engagement with books, fostering their vocabulary and understanding of their uniqueness and differences. Parents are very positive about the setting, particularly commending the staff and the positive development of their children's language skills and confidence.

What it's like

Children settle quickly and feel secure to happily explore the resources and activities. They make choices and develop a positive attitude to learning. They have strong relationships with staff, who know them well and meet their needs successfully.