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Holwell Nursery School

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2024)
·
3.0(2 parent reviews) ·Crouch Lane, Holwell, Sherborne, DT9 5LP · Dorset
Number of places
46 places
Age range
0–3 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2024
Local authority
Dorset

About this day nursery

Holwell Nursery School, a charity-run establishment nestled in a serene countryside environment, provides quality care and education for children ranging from three months old up to school age. The nursery is dedicated to fostering creativity, curiosity, and a strong connection to nature.

Their mission is to offer a secure, welcoming, and stimulating atmosphere where each child can progress and learn at their own individual pace, embracing the beauty of the outdoors to cultivate vital life skills and values. The nursery prides itself on offering a "home from home" setting with a strong family-like atmosphere, ensuring every child has the chance to develop in a joyful, protected, and nurturing space.

Holwell Nursery School is also proud to have received a 'Good' rating in their September 2024 Ofsted report.

Our ethos

Holwell Nursery School is dedicated to fostering creativity, curiosity, and a strong connection to nature. They aim to provide a secure, welcoming, and stimulating atmosphere where children can learn at their own pace, using the outdoors to cultivate life skills and values. The nursery offers a "home from home" setting with a family-like atmosphere.

What it's like

Children and their families receive a warm welcome into this nurturing and caring nursery. Children arrive happy and quickly engage in motivating and challenging activities that staff organise for them. New children receive nurturing and sensitive support from their key person to help them settle into nursery.

Charity-runCountryside settingForest School

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday from 8am to 5.30pm and on Friday from 8am to 4.30pm

Age range

3 months to school leaving age

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

1993

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Holwell Nursery School

Last inspected 13 September 2024 · Mikaela Jauncey

Safeguarding effective
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 and their families receive a warm welcome into this nurturing and caring nursery. Children arrive happy and quickly engage in motivating and challenging activities that staff organise for them. New children receive nurturing and sensitive support from their key person to help them settle into nursery.

Inspector highlights

  • The provider develops an ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum for children.
  • Relationships between staff and parents are warm and supportive.
  • Staff interactions with children are positive and encouraging.
  • Effective planning and assessment mean that staff have a good understanding of children's interests, strengths and needs.
  • Children show a positive attitude to learning and their behaviour is good.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to give children the time they need to share their ideas and to practise using new vocabulary to develop children's communication skills further
  • 2help older children to develop their independence skills further by offering more opportunities for them to complete tasks for themselves.
Inspection #10351318 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Effective planning and assessment mean that staff have a good understanding of children's interests, strengths and needs. Staff identify any gaps in learning swiftly and put individual support in place. This means all children are continually moving forward in their learning.

Outdoor space

Staff extend learning by taking children outside to forage for snails and other creatures. Children show joy and curiosity as they look for snails in the mud.

Parent Reviews of Holwell Nursery School

3.0
(2)
Hannah
2 months ago

Had quite a few people recommend this nursery, and my daughter really liked it when we came to visit. However, after reaching out to enquire about fees and the additional compulsory extras, for a month I experienced extremely poor communication. Despite multiple emails and phone calls, I was repeatedly told someone would call me back, yet no one ever did. I had high hopes as this nursery is right by our house and seemed like a lovely setting for my little girl. Unfortunately, the lack of communication and avoidance of a very simple question has completely disheartened me and caused me to lose trust in them as a care provider. Good communication with parents is essential, and sadly that has not been my experience here.

Read on Google
Abby Kelly
2 months ago

I couldn’t think of a more caring and attentive nursery for my child to attend. It is a great setting and staff are always informative on how your child’s day has gone. Would always recommend if you are lucky enough to have your child attend here as it’s very sought after. No wonder, as it’s an incredible nursery with a dedicated and wonderful team.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Holwell Nursery School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: February 2011

  • September 2024Good
  • October 2018Good
  • November 2017Good
  • November 2014Good
  • December 2013Requires improvement
  • February 2011Good

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