Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

Stower Vale Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2024)
·
5.0(1 parent reviews)
·Woodville Stour Provost, Gillingham, SP8 5LX · Dorset
Number of places
21 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2024
Local authority
Dorset

About this day nursery

Stower Vale Pre-school, located in a rural setting in North Dorset, offers a stimulating environment for children where learning through play is central to their development. The pre-school caters to children from two years of age and aims to foster happiness and confidence in a safe and secure setting.

It is a community-led organisation with charitable status, managed by a parent committee. The facility boasts a secure and well-designed outdoor area, situated within the grounds of Stower Provost Community School.

The curriculum is aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage, with all activities meticulously planned to address the individual needs of each child. The pre-school encourages active parental involvement, whether through committee work, fundraising, or sharing individual talents, and prides itself on its welcoming, friendly, and nurturing atmosphere.

Additionally, Stower Vale Pre-school hosts a weekly baby and toddler group in the primary school hall, with regular visits to the pre-school to help young children become accustomed to the setting.

Our ethos

Stower Vale Pre-school focuses on learning through play as central to child development, aiming to foster happiness and confidence in a safe and secure setting. Their curriculum is aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with activities planned to meet individual needs. They also encourage active parental involvement and pride themselves on a welcoming, friendly, and nurturing atmosphere.

What it's like

Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment and build strong attachments with children, helping them to settle quickly and feel safe and secure. Their kind and gentle approach creates a nurturing and respectful atmosphere where children's behaviour is good. Children play together well, taking turns and sharing easily, and consistently follow the pre-school rules.

Charity-runParent-led committeeRural settingLearning through playOutdoor learning

Pricing & funding

The nursery requests a voluntary daily consumable contribution to cover food, utilities, and resources. This charge is split into half-day and full-day rates. Parents who choose not to contribute are asked to follow packed lunch guidance.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Consumable charge covers food, utilities, cleaning supplies, and learning resources.
  • The contribution is voluntary.
  • Parents opting out must provide a packed lunch following nursery guidance.

Key facts

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

1993

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Stower Vale Pre-School

Last inspected 24 October 2024 · Michelle Heimsoth

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 provide a warm and welcoming environment and build strong attachments with children, helping them to settle quickly and feel safe and secure. Their kind and gentle approach creates a nurturing and respectful atmosphere where children's behaviour is good. Children play together well, taking turns and sharing easily, and consistently follow the pre-school rules.

Inspector highlights

  • The curriculum is well organised and child-led, focusing on developing skills for school, such as self-care and independent choices.
  • Staff effectively use books and stories to build children's knowledge and understanding, fostering a love for reading.
  • Children are well-taught to manage their behaviour, promoting calm and strong friendships, and they collaborate to problem-solve and try out ideas.
  • There are good partnerships with parents, with effective communication ensuring they are well-informed about their children's progress.
  • Staff's well-being is a high priority, with encouragement for training, leading to a valued, highly skilled, well-led, and well-managed pre-school.

Areas to develop

  • 1provide more opportunities for children to count and use numbers to further enhance their mathematical knowledge
  • 2provide more targeted support during planned activities to help children achieve their next steps more swiftly.
Inspection #10366694 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents praise the staff very highly and comment that they feel well informed about their children's progress.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Staff create many opportunities for outside and physical play, including forest school activities. Children enjoy these meaningful experiences, which develop their confidence and self-esteem and encourage a love of nature. Staff support younger children in outdoor activities, allowing them to take risks and become confident in their abilities.

Parent Reviews of Stower Vale Pre-School

5.0
(1)
Sophie Hayter
11 months ago

Amazing preschool with fantastic staff and in an awesome setting. Couldn't ask for a better place to leave my child knowing they are going to have the best day ever and learn so much ❤️

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Stower Vale Pre-School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: May 2005

  • November 2024Good
  • October 2024Good
  • April 2019Good
  • March 2019Good
  • November 2015Good
  • October 2015Good
  • June 2009Outstanding
  • May 2009Outstanding
  • August 2006Requires improvement
  • May 2005Requires improvement

Frequently asked about Stower Vale Pre-School

Nearby day nurseries in Gillingham

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Stower Vale Pre-School.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

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