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RUB-A-DUB PRE-SCHOOL

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2025)
·
5.0(9 parent reviews) ·The Lansdowne Village Hall, Petty Lane, Calne, SN11 9QY · Wiltshire
Number of places
72 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
Wiltshire

About this day nursery

Rub-A-Dub Pre-School is a small, community-focused childcare provider located in Derry Hill, conveniently situated between Chippenham and Calne, near the A4. Catering to children aged 2 years old until they transition to primary school, the pre-school prides itself on offering a safe, high-quality, and nurturing environment.

They operate Monday to Thursday, and Friday mornings, during term time, with opening hours from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, offering flexible collection times at 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, and 5:30 pm. Core sessions run from 9 am to 12 pm, 12 pm to 3 pm, and 9 am to 3 pm.

A distinctive feature is the "Forest Rangers" session on Wednesday mornings for children aged 3 and over, offering hands-on learning in a natural environment on the Bowood Estate. Additionally, "Rising Stars" sessions are held on Friday afternoons for children preparing to start primary school the following September.

The pre-school encourages prospective parents to arrange visits and offers information through its website and Facebook page. Rub-A-Dub Pre-School is a registered charity and emphasises community involvement, including fundraising initiatives.

What it's like

Children enter the pre-school happily, eager to find their friends and start playing. Staff welcome each child with a smile as they arrive and join in their games. Staff guide young children developing confidence in their ideas, and help them develop independence skills.

Community-focusedForest School sessionsSchool readiness programmeTerm-time only

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.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Friday mornings (8:30 am to 5:30 pm for all children, 12 pm to 3 pm Rising Stars)

Session types

9am to 12pm, 12pm to 3pm, 9am to 3pm, Friday 9am to 12pm, Specialist Forest Rangers - Wednesday mornings from 9am to 12pm, Specialist Rising Stars - Fridays 12pm to 3pm

Age range

2 years to primary school age

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Food

Packed lunch to be provided

Established

2001

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for RUB-A-DUB PRE-SCHOOL

Last inspected 10 July 2025 · Victoria Jones

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 enter the pre-school happily, eager to find their friends and start playing. Staff welcome each child with a smile as they arrive and join in their games. Staff guide young children developing confidence in their ideas, and help them develop independence skills.

Inspector highlights

  • The curriculum has a strong focus on guiding children to explore and understand nature.
  • Children are confident communicators.
  • There is a strong focus on supporting children as they develop their creative skills and imagination.
  • Children are kind to others and engaged learners.
  • Staff are experienced in childcare and education, receive ongoing support and coaching, and regularly undertake relevant training.

Areas to develop

  • 1engage quieter children more frequently into conversations to enable them to practise their language skills
  • 2support children to understand how their behaviour impacts on others.
Inspection #10410962 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

They comment that they are well informed about children's progress and the various activities children engage in.

Parents report that children are very happy when attending the pre-school, and they recommend the pre-school to others.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

The curriculum focuses on guiding children to explore and understand nature. Children are supported to play outdoors, whatever the weather, and develop coordination and balance as they run in the fresh air. The weekly 'Forest School' session helps children develop their independence, physical skills and confidence.

Parent Reviews of RUB-A-DUB PRE-SCHOOL

5.0
(9)
David Missen
3 years ago

My daughter joined Rub a Dub Preschool halfway through the year (January) and she thoroughly enjoyed her time there before moving to the Primary School. She was welcomed in and within a week it was as though she'd spent years there. The staff are wonderful and build excellent bonds with the children. Plenty of art and crafts, constructive play, reading and free time outside. My other daughter is due to attend next year and she couldn't be more excited.

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Mary Grant
3 years ago

I highly recommend Rub-A-Dub. The setting and staff are fantastic. The garden is beautiful and my children loved all the opportunities for outdoor play and the range of activities offered. The forest rangers session in the woods was a real favourite with my children and the Fri afternoon session for the older children prepared them for a seamless start to school. I am so thankful to Rub-A-Dub for the wonderful support and opportunities they've given my children in their preschool years.

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Zoe Armstrong
3 years ago

Rub-A-Dub preschool is such a fantastic setting, both of my children have attended and they are always so happy to go into preschool and equally excited to tell me all about their exciting day. Such a fantastic variety of daily activities are offered to the children, alongside the open garden throughout the day. A brilliant setting that I would highly recommend to anyone!

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Charlotte Fossa
3 years ago

We highly recommend Rub-a-Dubs! The staff are so committed and friendly and the children have such good opportunities to play and learn. Our son loves the garden with the play equipment. Every day there are different activities, the 'Rising Stars' sessions have been amazing for preparing him for Primary School.

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Rachel Missen
3 years ago

My eldest daughter has just left rub-a-dubs preschool and she came on leaps and bounds during her time there. She loved it, it improved her confidence and she came home full of stories of all the fun she had. She loved Rising Stars sessions just before leaving for primary school and they were invaluable. My youngest starts in January and I can’t wait for her to get started- she will love it!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for RUB-A-DUB PRE-SCHOOL. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

10 July 2025

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

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