Food
All home cooked meals and snacks are included.
River House Nursery
Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2025)
Number of places
70 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2025
Local authority
Dorset
About this day nursery
River House Nursery, located in Wimborne, offers a nurturing, creative, and unique environment for children aged 0-5 years. Situated by the river, the nursery is inspired by the flowing nature of a river, aiming to provide guidance and nourishment for each child's development.
The philosophy emphasises curiosity as a guide for exploration, with empathy and kindness fostering connections. The nursery prioritises the holistic growth of every child, catering to their physical, intellectual, and emotional needs through suitable activities, play-based learning, and a supportive team.
River House Nursery endeavours to build a strong partnership with parents and caregivers, acknowledging their crucial role in their child's early education and valuing their involvement. The founder, Alex, brings over two decades of experience in the early years sector, including ten years managing local nurseries, to create a special and caring setting for families in Wimborne.
The mission is to establish a stimulating "home from home" where children can learn, grow, and thrive, fostering a love for learning, promoting social and emotional development, and nurturing individual talents.
Our ethos
Life is like a river, ever flowing and constantly changing. At River House Nursery, we aim to mirror the gentle rhythm and endless possibilities of the river. Just as the river provides guidance and nourishment to the surrounding landscape, we strive to create an environment that nurtures and supports the growth and development of every child. With the river as our inspiration, we allow curiosity to be the current that guides their exploration, while empathy and kindness serve as the gentle ripples that connect us all. Together, let us embark on this beautiful journey, as we watch your little ones navigate the flowing waters of life, growing stronger, more confident, and ready to make waves upon the world.
What it's like
Children flourish and thrive in this welcoming and friendly setting. Staff get to know the children well and implement an ambitious curriculum. Children show high levels of interest in learning and have positive attitudes.
River-inspired ethosAll-inclusive fees (meals, nappies, creams, wipes, medication)Accepts government funding for 2, 3 and 4-year-oldsStrong parent partnershipExperienced founder
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Key facts
Waitlist
To receive a copy of our fee schedule please contact us via info@riverhousenursery.com
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, from 7.30am until 6pm
Age range
0-5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2023
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for River House Nursery
Last inspected 7 February 2025 · Michelle Heimsoth
Overall effectiveness
Good
What it's like to attend
Children flourish and thrive in this welcoming and friendly setting. Staff get to know the children well and implement an ambitious curriculum. Children show high levels of interest in learning and have positive attitudes.
Inspector highlights
- Children have good communication and language skills, with staff building on vocabulary effectively.
- Staff are kind and caring in their approach, providing cuddles and reassurance to babies.
- All children develop a love of books and stories, with staff encouraging responses and supporting literacy development.
- Children follow thorough hygiene routines and understand the importance of good handwashing, benefiting from lots of outdoor learning and physical play.
- The provider is dedicated to giving every child the best nursery experience and values the skilled staff team, ensuring their well-being is a priority.
Areas to develop
- 1develop further strategies to support children who need extra help to communicate their thoughts and needs.
Inspection #10382496 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents speak very positively about the strong communication from staff and the excellent support for their children to make good progress.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Each child's key person observes them as they play, tracking their achievements carefully and implementing some strategies to support them. For example, staff use objects of reference to help children understand what is coming next. For those children who need extra support to communicate their thoughts, ideas and needs, staff do not do as much as they could to encourage this.
Outdoor space
Children benefit from lots of outdoor learning and physical play. They explore the sand and recall previous experiences of being at the beach. They begin to solve problems as they think about what will happen to the sand as they add water, and learn about size and capacity as they fill and empty different-sized containers.
Parent Reviews of River House Nursery
5.0
(2)
kitty mcconnell
2 years ago
Alex and the team are so gentle and caring. Everything they do goes above and beyond to make sure the children in their care are looked after, loved, and taught life skills.
Read on Google
Angie Edwards Crew
2 years ago
Reviews from Google for River House Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
7 February 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 River House Nursery
About the setting
River House Nursery registered in 2023. It is situated in Wimborne, Dorset. This privately owned nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am until 6pm, all year round. The owner/manager holds early years professional status and employs 20 staff, who hold relevant childcare qualifications up to level 6.
- URN
- 2743632
- Registered person
- Wolfpack Childcare Limited
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
Nearby day nurseries in Wimborne
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to River House Nursery.
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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