Opening hours
7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Little Monkeys at The Old Cottage
Ofsted: Requires improvement
(Sept 2025)
Number of places
60 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2025
Local authority
Hampshire
About this day nursery
Little Monkeys at The Old Cottage, nestled in the historic core of Ringwood, New Forest, is a charming children's day nursery dedicated to creating cherished memories. Charlotte Ollington, who has been a respected local childminder for over 12 years, has transformed this picturesque cottage into a nurturing environment where young minds can flourish.
The nursery caters to children from three months to ten years old, offering a Children's Day Nursery, Pre-School, Before and After School Club, and a Holiday Club. The establishment prides itself on providing individual attention within a secure, homely setting, combining a historic backdrop with contemporary learning facilities.
Parents can benefit from early drop-off options, wholesome home-cooked meals, and the assurance of fully qualified, Ofsted-registered staff. The nursery also offers 'Term-Time Only' availability and is conveniently located in the town centre, ensuring accessibility.
What it's like
Although staff have good relationships with children, there are weaknesses in their practice preventing children from learning as much as they could. Shortcomings in teaching hinder children in reaching their full potential. Nevertheless, children make some progress and are generally happy and secure.
Central & accessible town centre locationIndividual attention in a homely environmentHistoric setting with modern facilitiesEarly Drop-OffHealthy Home-Cooked MealsTerm-Time Only availabilityOfsted Registered
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.
Request pricing →Key facts
Age range
3 months to 10 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Food
Healthy Home-Cooked Meals
Established
2024
Waitlist
Unknown
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Little Monkeys at The Old Cottage
Last inspected 26 September 2025 · Lindsay Osman
Overall effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of education
Requires improvement
Behaviour and attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal development
Requires improvement
Leadership and management
Requires improvement
Actions the provider must take
- ensure that at least half of all staff receive training that specifically addresses the care of babies
- implement a broad and challenging curriculum that is planned to extend children's interests
- embed the key-person system appropriately to ensure that every child's care is tailored to meet their individual needs.
What it's like to attend
Although staff have good relationships with children, there are weaknesses in their practice preventing children from learning as much as they could. Shortcomings in teaching hinder children in reaching their full potential. Nevertheless, children make some progress and are generally happy and secure.
Inspector highlights
- Staff sing familiar songs with children to promote communication and language skills.
- Children are familiar with staff's expectations for behaviour, promoting self-esteem and confidence.
- Staff engage children well during story time, encouraging recall and imparting new language.
- Staff work effectively with other agencies and schools to ensure children receive the support they need.
- Staff work well with parents and carers, providing regular updates and sharing information.
Areas to develop
- 1Leaders have not been able to fully embed their ideas and practice in the newly established team.
- 2Staff working with the youngest children have not completed the required training to work with babies.
- 3Staff do not plan effectively for every child's learning and do not ensure the curriculum is always challenging and ambitious for all.
- 4The key-person system is not robust enough to ensure that key persons have a deep knowledge of children.
- 5There is no system in place when staff are absent to ensure children continue to build on what they know and can do.
Inspection #10417478 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents speak highly of the nursery. They comment that staff support the whole family, and not just their children.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff work effectively with other agencies and schools. This helps to ensure that children receive the support they need at the appropriate time.
Outdoor space
Children have access to a large outdoor area, helping them to become physically active. Younger children benefit from a well-equipped secure section of the garden. However, older children have minimal activities set up for them, limiting their learning during their time outside.
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
26 September 2025
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportFrequently asked about Little Monkeys at The Old Cottage
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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