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Little Merlins Pre-school

Ofsted: Good
(May 2025)
·
5.0(3 parent reviews) ·Culdrose Community Centre, Hibernia Road, Helston, TR13 8DJ · Cornwall
Number of places
36 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2025
Local authority
Cornwall

About this day nursery

Little Merlins Pre-school, established in 2000, is a term-time setting in Helston for children aged 1 to 4 years old. Rated Good by Ofsted on its latest inspection on 7th May 2025, the pre-school provides a nurturing environment where children happily wave goodbye to parents, eager to play and learn.

Staff build strong relationships with children, ensuring they feel secure and make good progress. The curriculum is broad, with a strong focus on outdoor play and developing social skills, allowing children to engage in mixed-age group activities.

Children are encouraged to be curious and engaged, participating in activities that develop their hand strength and concentration. They explore different cultures and local traditions, such as Flora Day, and learn about nature through caring for nursery chickens and visiting local stables.

Little Merlins Pre-school also focuses on fostering a love of books, encouraging creativity through imaginative play, and developing children's independence and self-care skills.

Our ethos

Little Merlins Pre-school offers a curriculum that supports children in being ready for the next stage of learning, with a strong emphasis on outdoor play and developing social skills. They encourage creativity, an understanding of diverse religions and cultural celebrations, and foster a love of books and stories. The pre-school also focuses on developing independence skills and healthy routines.

What it's like

Children happily wave goodbye to their parents and run to play with their friends at the start of the day, showing curiosity and engagement. Staff develop strong relationships with children, understanding the positive impact this has on children's learning and development. All children make good progress and feel safe and secure.

Good Ofsted ratingStrong outdoor playLove of books encouragedCreativity fosteredKindness and sharingIndependence skills supported

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Key facts

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Merlins Pre-school

Last inspected 7 May 2025

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 happily wave goodbye to their parents and run to play with their friends at the start of the day, showing curiosity and engagement. Staff develop strong relationships with children, understanding the positive impact this has on children's learning and development. All children make good progress and feel safe and secure.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff guide children to develop a love of books and stories.
  • Children's creativity is encouraged as they explore their imagination.
  • Children are kind and eagerly take turns and share.
  • Children are supported in developing their independence skills.
  • Leaders support staff to stay up to date with early years developments through ongoing training.

Areas to develop

  • 1support and encourage children to explore their ideas and interests even further to benefit their conversational skills
  • 2strengthen the planning of activities for older and most-able children to ensure that they receive further challenge.
Inspection #10398328 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

There is a strong focus on outdoor play and developing social skills. Children enjoy playing in mixed-age groups in the outdoor area and staff training on enhancing outdoor learning experiences has had a positive impact on children's development.

Parent Reviews of Little Merlins Pre-school

5.0
(3)
amymay87
7 months ago

Amazing, caring staff who really love the children. Lovely setting, great outdoor area with lots for the children to do. Highly recommend.

Read on Google
Mark
8 years ago

Fantastic staff, great facilities for the size. Traditional values and way of learning. Highly recommend!

Read on Google

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

Inspection history

Date: May 2004

  • June 2025Good
  • May 2025Good
  • November 2019Good
  • October 2019Good
  • October 2014Good
  • September 2014Good
  • December 2009Good
  • November 2009Good
  • October 2006Good
  • May 2004Good

Frequently asked about Little Merlins Pre-school

About the setting

Little Merlins Pre-school registered in 2000. This committee-run group operates from purpose-built premises attached to a community centre on the edge of Helston, in Cornwall. The provision opens each weekday from 9am to 3pm, during school term times. It provides government funded spaces for childcare. The pre-school employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold level 5 qualifications and six staff members hold early years qualifications at level 3.

URN
102854
Registered person
Little Merlins Pre-School Committee
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Good

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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