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Little Acorns Playgroup in Dorchester
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jun 2024)
Number of places
26 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2024
Local authority
Dorset
About this day nursery
Little Acorns Playgroup, situated in Evershot Village Hall, has been a cornerstone of early childhood education for over two decades, nurturing young minds in a charming rural setting. The playgroup emphasises learning through play and exploration, encouraging children to engage with their natural surroundings.
With a large private garden and a free-flow system, children can choose to play indoors or outdoors, equipped with wellies and waterproofs to ensure comfort in all weather. The curriculum extends beyond the confines of the hall, with regular excursions into the village to visit local amenities like the school, shop, church, and the picturesque deer park.
A strong focus on literacy is evident through designated story areas and a passion for storytelling. Additionally, the playgroup offers Forest School sessions in collaboration with Sticklands School.
As a "pack away" setting, the hall is occasionally cleared for community events. Little Acorns follows the same term dates and training days as Sticklands School.
Our ethos
Little Acorns Playgroup's philosophy is centred on learning through play and exploration, with a strong emphasis on engaging with the natural environment and the local community. They offer Forest School sessions and a literacy focus through storytelling, encouraging children to choose freely between indoor and outdoor activities.
What it's like
Leaders and staff embed a well-sequenced and focused curriculum that is tailored to suit children's individual needs and interests. Children are confident, motivated and curious learners who develop resilience and learn to manage conflict themselves. They develop a strong sense of belonging and take tremendous pride in what makes them unique.
Rural settingLearning through playOutdoor explorationForest School sessionsCommunity engagement
Pricing & funding
Fees starting September 2025 are charged hourly or by session, with a higher rate applied for children under two years old. Sessions include morning, lunch, afternoon, and all-day options. Consumables are included with no extra charge.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- Consumables are provided free of charge.
- An optional voluntary charitable contribution is available on funded hours.
Key facts
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3pm
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Established
1984
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Little Acorns Playgroup
Last inspected 20 June 2024 · Chelsea Woollard
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
What it's like to attend
Leaders and staff embed a well-sequenced and focused curriculum that is tailored to suit children's individual needs and interests. Children are confident, motivated and curious learners who develop resilience and learn to manage conflict themselves. They develop a strong sense of belonging and take tremendous pride in what makes them unique.
Inspector highlights
- Leaders and staff meticulously plan a rich and challenging environment for children, supporting them to consistently build on their knowledge and understanding of new concepts and ideas.
- Leaders collect detailed information about children's learning from parents and visits to other settings, forming robust starting points and enabling staff to swiftly identify and close gaps in learning.
- There is a clear emphasis on developing children's communication skills, with staff using various techniques, including sign language, and implementing a screening strategy to monitor speech and language.
- Children love exploring outside and have access to the garden daily, attend forest school weekly, and go on trips within the community, developing their awareness of the world.
- Transitions are a key strength, with leaders focusing on seamless transitions for all children, including starting a toddler group and fostering excellent relationships with the local school.
Areas to develop
- 1Leaders are currently working on implementing a more targeted forest school curriculum, enhancing children's experiences further.
Inspection #10349795 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents praise the dedication and support they receive from the pre-school team.
They value the team's commitment to their children's well-being and their 'collaborative ethos'.
Parents comment on the robust transitions and appreciate the wide variety of opportunities that their children receive to support their learning.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff make referrals promptly and provide exemplary support to all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND.
Outdoor space
Children love exploring outside and have access to the garden daily. They attend forest school each week and share this with children from the local school.
Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2024
Date: September 2008
- June 2024Outstanding
- September 2018Good
- September 2017Good
- November 2016Good
- June 2013Good
- September 2008Good
Frequently asked about Little Acorns Playgroup
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