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Little Owls (Scarning)

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Aug 2021)
·
4.9(36 parent reviews)
·Railway Farm, Scarning, Dereham, NR19 2LJ · Norfolk
Number of places
52 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Aug 2021
Local authority
Norfolk

About this day nursery

Little Owls Nursery in Scarning, Norfolk, provides outstanding childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years. Located in a rural setting with excellent transport links to the A47, it is ideal for families travelling to Norwich, Swaffham, or Kings Lynn.

The nursery focuses on a nurturing and professional service, placing each child at the core of all activities. They offer comprehensive care within a bungalow and a large modular building, mirroring the high-quality provisions of their Toftwood branch.

Little Owls emphasises providing a wide range of experiences to foster children's knowledge and understanding of themselves and their role in the community, including curriculum-supporting activities and extensive outdoor play areas with specialised safety surfaces. The nursery also features unique mud kitchens at both its locations, designed to engage children of all ages.

Dedicated to speech and language development, the staff includes Communication Champions who utilise specialised training to support children's early language skills. Additionally, Little Owls provides breakfast and after-school clubs, striving to extend the school day for busy families with outstanding service.

The nursery is continually growing, offering new opportunities within its 3-4 year-old pre-school groups.

What it's like

Children are at the heart of this exceptional nursery, enthusiastically greeted by staff who keenly learn about their home activities. Children delight in sharing their experiences and become engrossed in play with friends. Behaviour is exemplary, with children independently reminding each other of rules and inviting others to join in activities.

Ofsted OutstandingRural LocationMud KitchensCommunication ChampionsSibling Discount

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured by room (Tawny Owl, Barn Owls & Wise Owls, and Snowy Owl) and offered as morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions, with weekly block bookings available. Meals are charged separately depending on the room. A consumable rate applies to children aged two and over receiving funded extras.

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Minimum attendance of two sessions per week is required.
  • Fees for Tawny Owl Nursery are exclusive of meals.
  • Parents must supply nappies and changing items for Tawny Owl Nursery.
  • Consumable rates apply for children aged 2 and above receiving additional extras.
  • Sibling discounts are available.

Key facts

Session types

Morning Session, Afternoon Session, Daily Rates, Weekly Block Booking, Hourly Rate, Breakfast Club, After School Club, Holiday Club

Opening hours

7:30am-6:00pm

Age range

6 weeks to 4 years

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Owls (Scarning)

Last inspected 5 August 2021

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

Children are at the heart of this exceptional nursery, enthusiastically greeted by staff who keenly learn about their home activities. Children delight in sharing their experiences and become engrossed in play with friends. Behaviour is exemplary, with children independently reminding each other of rules and inviting others to join in activities.

Inspector highlights

  • Managers are highly supportive of their staff, coaching and training them to build skills and recognising individual strengths.
  • Partnerships with parents are superb, with parents fully trusting staff and reporting excellent progress in their children.
  • Staff work extremely hard with other professionals and local schools to ensure smooth transitions for children.
  • Children make excellent progress in all areas of learning, with their progress meticulously monitored to quickly identify and manage any potential gaps.
  • Staff highly value children's opinions, with children becoming mini 'master chefs' and providing feedback on new meals, which influences menu adaptations.
Inspection #10143473 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents report that they fully trust the staff with their children.

Parents report feeling grateful to receive home learning packs to support their children.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are fully included in all aspects of the routines of the day. Staff make effective use of any additional funding they receive.

Outdoor space

Children spend quality time in the enchanting grassy garden, able to see working tractors through Perspex windows and greeted by horses at the fence. They sing farm songs and look for treats to feed the horses.

Parent Reviews of Little Owls (Scarning)

4.9
(36)
Mia Dyson
a year ago

This nursery is amazing! Prior to coming to little owls my son (who has recently turned 2) went to a childminders where he was constantly poorly and always cried on arrival. I made the decision to move him over to a nursery for development reasons and he is thriving. Eating foods he usually wouldn’t touch, never cries on arrival and constantly seems happy. I am so pleased with this nursery. When he first started I mentioned my son’s health concerns and other concerns I had which were dealt with upmost empathy and support. This morning I spoke with my son’s key carer Amber about his speech development and was reassured and sympathised with. Every nursery teacher handles drop offs and pick ups amazingly and answers all questions I have about his day, he really loves this nursery and in the few small months he’s been attending hasn’t been ill once (touch wood). I am always met with smiles and never judged by anyone about my concerns which makes such a huge difference in my confidence as a parent. I have seen a huge change in my son, he is striding through soft play centre’s instead of clinging by my side and more confident with other children and strangers. I cannot thank little owls enough for all their support.

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Samuel Brien
7 years ago

Our son loves going to Little Owls Day Nursery Scarning, he has been in Tawny Owls for 7 months and always has so much fun! He adores the staff that care for him so much. He has a fantastic relationship with not only his wonderful key person Beth but also Charlotte, Louisa and Susie! He is happy to go into nursery and likes to play with the other babies! They do so many lovely activities with them including craft, yoga, sensory play and baking! My little one loves to play outside in the amazing outdoor space what ever the weather! We always recommend the nursery to our friends and family because we know it is the best around! Thank you also to Emma, Ella, Justine and Jonny for all you do as well as a part of Stanley’s time at nursery.

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Lynsey Davey
7 years ago

We have used Little Owls for the last four years, more recently the Scarning setting has been looking after my babies, and I can’t recommend them enough, staff are more like family and both our children speak warmly of all staff. People often comment on how sociable both of them are and I attribute this to little owls, i leave my children happy and safe in the knowledge that they are cared for and are being provided with the building blocks to become successful when they join school. We love you little owls xx

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amanda mcintyre
6 years ago

Editing my review after a year, little owls are still worth the 5 stars and if I could add on another 5 they would deserve it! They are the best nursery in Dereham with the best staff, they always have a smile on there faces even through these tough times. My little girl loves going and constantly talks about going and what she’s learnt. They have taught her (and me) a lot!

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louisa andrews
7 years ago

My daughter has been attending Little Owls Scarning for over a year and a half, and we have never had any problems at all, we love it. She has learnt so much, and seems to be learning new things weekly. She has lots of fun, during the structured and fun activities, and is also learning so much more than I expected that she would be before school. The staff are all so approachable and friendly to us both, they make me feel as though nothing is too much bother and continually exceed my expectations. I strongly recommend this nursery for any age and am so glad my daughter has been able to grow here! Thank you Little Owls staff.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Little Owls (Scarning). See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

5 August 2021

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 Owls (Scarning)

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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