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Little Boots

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2023)
·Pottery Farm, Whitney, Ilminster, TA19 0SJ · Somerset
Number of places
25 places
Age range
0–3 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2023
Local authority
Somerset

About this day nursery

Little Boots Day Nursery, located in Ilminster, operates under The Curiosity Approach philosophy, a globally recognised educational movement. This approach, which has gained national attention including a BBC feature about a "nursery with no toys," emphasises creating enriching, awe-inspiring environments that foster children’s creativity, independence, and a love for learning.

The founders, Lyndsey Hellyn and Stephanie Bennett, bring over five decades of combined experience in early childhood education. Their vision is to empower educators to become curious and inspired, transforming early years education by placing wonder and curiosity at the core of their practice.

The Curiosity Approach integrates elements from pioneering educational philosophies such as Rudolf Steiner, Reggio Emilia, and Te Whāriki, emphasising authentic resources, natural materials, and open-ended play. It promotes beautiful, calm spaces with natural tones to positively influence children's mood and learning.

The nursery also strongly believes in the importance of outdoor experiences for children and aligns with the UN Global Goal 4 for Quality Education, contributing to charities like Sparkle Malawi.

Our ethos

The Curiosity Approach aims to empower and ignite passion and excitement in practitioners, giving them the tools and knowledge to enable them and their setting to create beautiful play spaces for children. It is a modern-day Approach that fits perfectly in current changing technological times, bringing curiosity, awe and wonder into early childhood & creating the 'thinkers & doers' of the future. The approach is a recipe filled with ingredients from the great pioneers of Early Childhood Education, Rudolf Steiner (Austria), Loris Malaguzzi (Reggio Emilia - Italy), & Te Whāriki (New Zealand). These three progressive approaches to Early Childhood set the foundations to The Curiosity Approach.

What it's like

Leaders design a broad and balanced curriculum, especially to support the ethos of outdoor learning. Children have wonderful opportunities to explore nature and lead their own learning in an inviting environment. Children are keen to learn and thoroughly enjoy their time at the nursery. They receive positive interactions from staff, which, in particular, encourages their communication and language skills successfully.

The Curiosity Approach accreditedEmphasis on natural materials and authentic resourcesFocus on open-ended play and critical thinkingGlobally recognised educational movement

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 8am until 6pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Boots

Last inspected 13 September 2023

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

Leaders design a broad and balanced curriculum, especially to support the ethos of outdoor learning. Children have wonderful opportunities to explore nature and lead their own learning in an inviting environment. Children are keen to learn and thoroughly enjoy their time at the nursery. They receive positive interactions from staff, which, in particular, encourages their communication and language skills successfully.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders construct an ambitious curriculum, which considers children's interests and builds on what they know and can do.
  • Staff implement the curriculum effectively, understanding what children need to learn next.
  • Effective transition arrangements between the baby room and the pre-school room ensure children feel safe and settled.
  • Children learn to care for living things and are kind to each other.
  • Staff ensure they meet children's care needs efficiently with good hygiene practices.

Areas to develop

  • 1develop further opportunities that arise to help children solve problems independently and to think critically
  • 2provide staff with further support and guidance to extend children's learning and challenge them more consistently
Inspection #10309243 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The inspector conducted professional discussions during the inspection with the special educational needs coordinator.

Outdoor space

Leaders design a broad and balanced curriculum, especially to support the ethos of outdoor learning. Children have wonderful opportunities to explore nature and lead their own learning in an inviting environment. Young children show curiosity when they visit the "beach" by the lake and use binoculars to see the swans. Older children find their boots and put them on ready to play outside.

Inspection history

Date: August 2014

  • September 2023Good
  • May 2018Good
  • August 2014Good

Frequently asked about Little Boots

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