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Little Squirrels Play Forest at Priory

Ofsted: Good
(Mar 2024)
·
4.5(8 parent reviews) ·The Priory Centre, Priory Plain, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1NW · Norfolk
Number of places
68 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Mar 2024
Local authority
Norfolk

About this day nursery

From April 2024, the setting will extend its operating hours to 8am to 6pm and will be open all year round. The latest Ofsted inspection, carried out on 8th March 2024, rated the nursery as 'Good' overall, highlighting its effective provision.

Staff at Little Squirrels Play Forest warmly welcome children and parents, fostering secure relationships and a strong sense of belonging. The curriculum is ambitious and tailored to individual needs, with staff using assessments to plan engaging activities that respond to children's interests.

Children are encouraged to develop independence, practising self-help skills like pouring drinks and zipping up coats. Leadership and management are passionate about early education and prioritise staff well-being and professional development through regular training.

The nursery also actively supports its community, for example, by providing in-house dental check-ups. Children benefit from strong support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with staff working closely with parents and professionals to create effective support plans.

Outdoor learning is a key feature; children enjoy local walks and making use of the garden area, which includes stepping stones, a wobbly bridge, and a cosy reading space. This encourages physical development and provides opportunities for quiet reflection.

What it's like

Staff warmly welcome children and parents into the setting, where children quickly form secure relationships with staff and show a strong sense of belonging and safety. Staff have high expectations and respond to children's interests, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm through engaging activities. Children demonstrate pride in their achievements and feel valued as staff listen to their stories and remember important details about their lives.

Warm welcomeTailored learningStrong SEND supportOutdoor playCommunity focusedDeveloping independence

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

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

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 8am to 4pm. From April 2024, the setting will open all year round, from 8am to 6pm.

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2021

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Squirrels Play Forest at Priory

Last inspected 8 March 2024 · Kate Oakley

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

Staff warmly welcome children and parents into the setting, where children quickly form secure relationships with staff and show a strong sense of belonging and safety. Staff have high expectations and respond to children's interests, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm through engaging activities. Children demonstrate pride in their achievements and feel valued as staff listen to their stories and remember important details about their lives.

Inspector highlights

  • The management team and staff are passionate about their work and regularly access training to build their knowledge.
  • Staff know children well and use assessments to tailor their ambitious curriculum to children's unique needs.
  • Children frequently practise doing things for themselves, such as pouring drinks and pulling their coat zips up.
  • The management team has a good awareness of their community and works to reduce barriers, such as providing in-house dental check-ups.
  • Children develop an understanding of the setting's rules, learn to keep themselves safe, and play cooperatively.
  • Staff report feeling valued and well-supported by managers who prioritise well-being and personal development.

Areas to develop

  • 1enhance self-evaluation to produce sharply targeted areas for further improvements that have the most impact on children's learning.
Inspection #10311622 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is particularly strong. They develop close partnerships with parents and other professionals to create clear support plans and ensure children's needs are met to a high standard.

Outdoor space

Children enjoy going on walks in the local area and relish the range of equipment in the setting's garden area. Children strengthen their physical skills on stepping stones and a wobbly bridge, as well as taking time to rest with a book in the cosy area.

Parent Reviews of Little Squirrels Play Forest at Priory

4.5
(8)
amy roberts
6 months ago

I can’t recommend this nursery enough! The staff are absolutely amazing — Theo runs straight through the door every times, he loves it so much! I was very anxious at first, but I knew straight away this was the right place for him. The team always think outside the box with activities and learning, and they keep me informed and involved every step of the way. I’m so grateful for the care and attention they give — it really shows how much they love what they do!

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Cathy Doran
a year ago

Both my children have attended this nursery. My eldest attended when it was priory nursery and now my youngest has been going since September 2024, since the nursery was taken over after lockdown I can see the difference in the activities they do with the children and the outings and interactions. Trips to the library on the bus, walks around the Minster and surrounding grounds etc. My son runs into nursery to see everyone, and thats all I can wish for is that he enjoys himself and feels safe and comfortable. He knows almost all the staff by name and we thoroughly enjoyed the Easter event recently held, he insisted on finding everyone and showing them his new shoes. The event was well thought out with lots of different activities for the children to do ( biscuit decorating, card making, sensory section, and of course Easter egg hunt) each activity was a perfect amount of time given little ones short attention span and didn't require lots of instructions to follow. All in all we love little squirrels and can't wait for the next event.

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Elcia Santos
a year ago

This place is wonderful for children, my son loves it so much ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

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Reviews from Google for Little Squirrels Play Forest at Priory. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: March 2024

  • April 2024Good
  • March 2024Good

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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