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Little Birds Pre-school

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2023)
·
3.0(2 Google reviews)
·St Mary's R C Primary School, Northbrook Road, Swanage, BH19 1QE · Dorset
Number of places
26 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2023
Local authority
Dorset

About this early years setting

Little Birds Pre-school in Swanage offers a nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to learn through exploration and adventure. The preschool embraces a "Hygge" inspired atmosphere, focusing on warmth and togetherness.

Their curriculum is child-centred, utilising "In The Moment Planning" to cater to each child's unique interests and foster confidence. The dedicated staff are passionate about early years education, with many holding Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualifications and continuous training.

The preschool is located within St. Mary's Primary School grounds, providing access to extensive outdoor facilities including obstacle courses and playing fields. They also foster a connection with nature through an allotment where children grow fruits and vegetables, used in their snack cafe.

Unique offerings include weekly yoga sessions with a qualified teacher and interaction with resident chickens and a tortoise, enriching the children's learning experience and promoting well-being.

Our ethos

When a Child joins Little Birds, we believe it will be the beginning of an enjoyable learning journey and that you and your child will feel happy and involved here. We are here for you as a family unit, to support you all in the Early Years of your child's development. Our Preschool really is one big family, taking a holistic approach to Early Years Education. We aim to provide a warm, safe, secure, stimulating and welcoming environment for your child to learn and enhance their development.

What it's like

The excellent implementation of the curriculum has an exceptional impact on children's development, with children becoming engrossed in learning and enthusiastic to try new skills. Staff expertly use challenges to build resilience and problem-solving skills, and empower children to make decisions and plan their activities.

Hygge environmentIn The Moment PlanningOutdoor learningWeekly yogaNature-focused activities

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 Friday from 9am until 3pm

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Birds Pre-school

Last inspected 20 July 2023 · Elaine Douglas

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

The excellent implementation of the curriculum has an exceptional impact on children's development, with children becoming engrossed in learning and enthusiastic to try new skills. Staff expertly use challenges to build resilience and problem-solving skills, and empower children to make decisions and plan their activities.

Inspector highlights

  • The excellent implementation of the curriculum has an exceptional impact on children's development.
  • Children pay amazing attention and engage fully in whole-group activities, recalling vocabulary and showing fascination.
  • Staff treat children with huge respect, skilfully observing when to intervene and when to allow children to think and develop their own ideas.
  • The manager has a highly ambitious curriculum and high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
  • Children are extremely confident communicators, with even those speaking no English rapidly catching up thanks to effective strategies like Makaton.
Inspection #10299921 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

parents comment how well the strategies staff use have had a highly beneficial impact at home.

Parents comment on staff being proactive, initiating support and giving excellent advice.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The manager has a highly ambitious curriculum and has high expectations of what the children can achieve, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. There are several staff trained as special educational needs coordinators to ensure children receive excellent support to make the best progress they can. Staff are proactive, initiating support and giving excellent advice to parents.

Outdoor space

Children relish being outdoors and regular visits in the community provide extensive additional experiences, such as growing produce at their allotment and using large equipment. The setting also transformed a piece of wasteland into a garden, with children voting on what they wanted and helping with the clearing and renovation.

Google Reviews of Little Birds Pre-school

3.0
(2 Google reviews)
james
9 months ago

I contacted them regarding a serious matter and was met with an unhelpful, rude and passive aggressive response. Very disappointing experience and I would not recommend.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Little Birds Pre-school. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

20 July 2023

Outstanding

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

Frequently asked about Little Birds Pre-school

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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