--- title: "Little Acorns Playgroup, Dorchester | Nursery Advice" description: "Little Acorns Playgroup, a nursery in Dorchester — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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It operates term-time only." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Little Acorns Playgroup support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff make prompt referrals and provide strong support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The special educational needs coordinator works with staff to plan help that matches individual needs and keeps support coordinated." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded hours does Little Acorns Playgroup accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting accepts 15 hours for disadvantaged two-year-olds, 15 hours universal funding for three- and four-year-olds, and 30 hours for working parents of three- and four-year-olds." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What kind of childcare setting is Little Acorns Playgroup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is registered as childcare on non-domestic premises and operates as full day care." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can Little Acorns Playgroup be contacted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Phone: 07985 435958. Website: https://www.littleacornsevershot.co.uk/" } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South West](/search?region=South+West) 4. Little Acorns Playgroup # Little Acorns Playgroup in Dorchester Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Outstanding (Jun 2024) · Evershot Village Hall, The Common, Dorchester, DT2 0JY · Dorset Number of places 26 places Age range 1–4 yrs Last inspected Jun 2024 Local authority Dorset About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 setting Learning through play Outdoor exploration Forest School sessions Community 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-olds 15 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 Waitlist Use the contact us section to get in touch about joining our waiting list Opening hours Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3pm Term time / All Year Term Time Established 1984 ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Little Acorns Playgroup Inspection date Jun 2024 Inspection no. 10349795 Lead inspector Chelsea Woollard Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50253520)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY281575) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number [ Visit website ](https://www.littleacornsevershot.co.uk/) Evershot Village Hall, The Common, Dorchester, DT2 0JY [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-2.60372/50.83987/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Dorchester - [Day nurseries in Dorchester](/search?q=Dorchester) - [Day nurseries in South West](/search?q=South+West) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=little-acorns-playgroup-dt2-0jy-ey281575) Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Little Acorns Playgroup Last inspected 20 June 2024 · Chelsea Woollard 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 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 - 1 Leaders are currently working on implementing a more targeted forest school curriculum, enhancing children's experiences further. Inspection #10349795 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50253520) ## 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 2024 Outstanding - September 2018 Good - September 2017 Good - November 2016 Good - June 2013 Good - September 2008 Good ## Frequently asked about Little Acorns Playgroup ### Whereabouts is Little Acorns Playgroup? ### What is Little Acorns Playgroup working on improving? ### When does Little Acorns Playgroup open? ### How does Little Acorns Playgroup support children with SEND? ### Which funded hours does Little Acorns Playgroup accept? ### What kind of childcare setting is Little Acorns Playgroup? ### How can Little Acorns Playgroup be contacted? ## Nearby day nurseries in Dorchester Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Little Acorns Playgroup. - [ Ofsted: Good 1.8 mi ### Barn Owls Nursery Dorchester · DT2 0HG ](/nursery/barn-owls-nursery-dt2-0hg-ey361933) - [ Awaiting first inspection 4.1 mi ### Lower Covey Sherborne · DT9 6LJ ](/nursery/lower-covey-limited-dt9-6lj-2836189) - [ Ofsted: Good 4.4 mi ### Maiden Newton Childcare Provision Dorchester · DT2 0AX ](/nursery/maiden-newton-childcare-provision-dt2-0ax-ey493345) [See all nurseries in Dorchester →](/search?q=Dorchester) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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