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Fontmell Magna Under Fives

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Nov 2022)
·
5.0(1 parent reviews) ·Blandfords Farmhouse, West Street, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 0PF · Dorset
Number of places
32 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2022
Local authority
Dorset

About this day nursery

Fontmell Magna Under Fives Pre-School is a charity-run early years setting with over 30 years of experience providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2-4 years. Located in Fontmell Magna, the preschool offers bright and spacious indoor and outdoor learning areas.

The dedicated team of welcoming, friendly, and experienced staff prioritises each child's contentment, happiness, and welfare, ensuring their individual needs are met through a compassionate approach. The preschool operates on a "learning through play" philosophy, continuously providing opportunities for exploration and development.

They actively support government funding for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds and encourage parents to explore eligibility for Early Years Pupil Premium, which provides additional funds to enrich a child's education. A supportive committee of parents and staff works together to organise fundraising events and maintain an updated online presence with news and information.

Fontmell Magna Under Fives is registered with Ofsted and is a member of the Preschool Alliance, committed to delivering quality early education.

What it's like

Children relish attending this excellent pre-school where they feel safe to explore and learn, arriving full of enthusiasm and quickly getting involved in an interesting range of activities. They thoroughly enjoy playing in the thoughtfully equipped outdoor play area and exploring the exciting forest environment, developing excellent social skills, strong friendships, and working extremely well as a team.

Charity-runLearning through playForest SchoolExperienced staff

Pricing & funding

Charges are based on an hourly rate for morning and afternoon sessions, alongside fixed-rate breakfast and after-school clubs. Optional additional charges apply for mid-morning snacks and non-consumables.

Funding accepted

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

Good to know

  • Mid-morning snack and drink is available for morning sessions.
  • A daily non-consumables charge covers resources and additional activities.
  • Both snack and non-consumable charges are non-compulsory.

Key facts

Food

Slightly confusing - states a mid-morning snack/drink is 40p, but also that children in the afternoon session require their own named lunchbox and are provided a drink bottle

Opening hours

Breakfast club: 07.45-08.45; Morning: 08.45-11.45; Afternoon: 11.45-14.45; Afterschool club: 14.45-15.45

Age range

2-4 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

Hourly

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Fontmell Magna Under Fives

Last inspected 3 November 2022 · Catherine Sample

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

Children relish attending this excellent pre-school where they feel safe to explore and learn, arriving full of enthusiasm and quickly getting involved in an interesting range of activities. They thoroughly enjoy playing in the thoughtfully equipped outdoor play area and exploring the exciting forest environment, developing excellent social skills, strong friendships, and working extremely well as a team.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff are highly skilled at following children's interests and extending their learning.
  • Children are exceptionally well behaved and develop many independence skills.
  • Children are great communicators and staff are skilled at encouraging their language development.
  • Children have excellent opportunities to learn about hygiene and healthy lifestyles.
  • The highly-effective manager and skilled staff work closely to ensure a shared ethos and drive for excellence.
Inspection #10235442 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff have the highest expectations for all children, whatever their starting points. They skilfully build on what they know about each child to support their learning as effectively as possible. Staff are skilled at encouraging children's language development and helping them to catch up quickly if they have any delay.

Outdoor space

Children thoroughly enjoy playing in the thoughtfully equipped outdoor play area and exploring the exciting forest environment. Staff are passionate about using the forest area to help children learn an extensive range of skills in a natural environment, including using secateurs safely and learning about boundaries and safety when using the firepit.

Parent Reviews of Fontmell Magna Under Fives

5.0
(1)
Sarah Hammond
3 years ago

This is an amazing settling my daughter has been there 2 weeks and she loves it wish i had sent my twins there. Amazing staff, fantastic setting.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Fontmell Magna Under Fives. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2022

Date: March 2011

  • November 2022Outstanding
  • February 2017Good
  • October 2014Good
  • November 2013Requires improvement
  • March 2011Good

Frequently asked about Fontmell Magna Under Fives

About the setting

Fontmell Magna Under Fives registered at its current premises in Fontmell Magna, Dorset in 2010. The group is open Monday to Friday, from 8.45am until 2.45pm, during school terms only, and also operates an out-of-school club. The group receives funding to provide free early years education for children aged two, three and four years. There are seven staff employed, with five holding level 3 qualifications, one holding a level 2 qualification, and one working towards a level 2 qualification.

URN
EY413949
Registered person
Fontmell Magna Under Fives Committee
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Good

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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