Opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 07:30 to 17:30; Friday: 08:00 to 15:00
Haylands
Ofsted: Good
(May 2023)
Number of places
40 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
Dorset
About this day nursery
Haylands Preschool, situated in Portland, boasts a rich history spanning over 50 years, proudly serving the local community. The preschool offers a nurturing and stimulating environment, focusing on providing high-quality childcare and early education designed to foster individual skills and encourage social integration.
The curriculum is built around the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring a strong foundation for children's transition to primary school. As a Registered Charity, Haylands Preschool is governed by a dedicated Parent Committee and a management team, all of whom undergo DBS checks.
The preschool maintains a close relationship with St. George's Primary School, facilitating a smooth transition for children. Haylands is an inclusive setting, committed to providing equal opportunities for every child and working collaboratively with parents to support their child's unique development.
The team of experienced and qualified staff are all DBS checked, trained in safeguarding and paediatric first aid, and regularly participate in professional development.
Our ethos
Haylands Preschool's approach is built around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, aiming to foster individual skills, encourage social integration, and provide a strong foundation for primary school. They are committed to inclusivity, equal opportunities, and working collaboratively with parents to support each child's unique development.
What it's like
Children enjoy immersing themselves in play and learning, re-enacting adventures to the Sahara Desert. They feel understood and valued, forming positive relationships with staff and other children. Staff make time to know each child individually, identify their needs, and respond quickly by adapting the environment, especially for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Charity-run preschoolOver 50 years of experienceStrong links with local primary schoolEarly Years Foundation Stage curriculum
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged per session, with options including full days, morning sessions, afternoon sessions, and a separate lunch club. Wraparound care is available via breakfast and after school clubs, with rates varying depending on the specific hours booked.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- Lunch club is charged as an additional fee.
- Breakfast club fees depend on the selected time slot.
- After school club fees range depending on the length of the session.
Key facts
Session types
Full Day Care, Morning Session, Lunch Club, Afternoon Session, Breakfast Club, After-School Club
Age range
2 years 6 months to 11 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Established
2006
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Haylands
Last inspected 5 May 2023 · Jonathan Payne
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 enjoy immersing themselves in play and learning, re-enacting adventures to the Sahara Desert. They feel understood and valued, forming positive relationships with staff and other children. Staff make time to know each child individually, identify their needs, and respond quickly by adapting the environment, especially for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Inspector highlights
- Leaders design an ambitious curriculum that aims to instil children with confidence and independence.
- Staff facilitate children's learning by offering engaging activities that encourage exploration and perseverance.
- The staff effectively support children's vocabulary, particularly in mathematics.
- Staff are skilled at teaching children the knowledge and skills that they need and plan circle time activities for concentration.
- Leaders and staff develop strong parental partnerships and provide workshops to support parents with their child's development.
Areas to develop
- 1ensure that staff have high expectations of children during planned activities so that they can demonstrate their knowledge and skills to the best of their ability.
Inspection #10285535 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents appreciate that staff help prepare children to be ready for the next stages of their development.
They value the collaboration between leaders and schools in ensuring a smooth transition for children.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff make time to get to know each child individually, identify their needs and respond quickly by making necessary adaptations to the environment, particularly for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Outdoor space
Playing outdoors is a favourite among children. They stay physically active by digging heavy gravel into buckets, practising their balancing skills on the climbing frame and enjoy feeling part of a group by taking part in parachute games.
Inspection history
Date: February 2011
- May 2023Good
- October 2017Good
- October 2014Good
- February 2011Good
Frequently asked about Haylands
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