--- title: "Stower Vale Pre-School — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Stower Vale Pre-School, a nursery in Gillingham — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377#nursery", "name": "Stower Vale Pre-School", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Woodville Stour Provost", "addressLocality": "Gillingham", "postalCode": "SP8 5LX" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377#webpage" }, "telephone": "01747 839942", "email": "playleader@stowervalepreschool.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://stowervalepreschool.co.uk/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 50.993835, "longitude": -2.278497 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Gillingham" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 1, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sophie Hayter" }, "reviewBody": "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 ❤️", "datePublished": "2025-06-06T14:01:16.999713Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "South West", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20West" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Stower Vale Pre-School", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What kind of childcare setting is Stower Vale Pre-School?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stower Vale Pre-School is classed as childcare on non-domestic premises. It operates as a full day care setting for children aged 2 to 4 years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded hours does Stower Vale Pre-School accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting accepts 15 hours for working parents of 9-month-olds, 15 hours universal entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds, and 30 hours for working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds. Tax-Free Childcare is also accepted." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "From what age does Stower Vale Pre-School accept children?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children are accepted from 2 years old up to 4 years old. The provision is aimed at the preschool stage before entry to school." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What part of the country is Stower Vale Pre-School in?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stower Vale Pre-School is in Gillingham, Dorset, with the postcode SP8 5LX. The street location is Woodville, Stour Provost." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South West](/search?region=South+West) 4. Stower Vale Pre-School # Stower Vale Pre-School Compare Contact Nursery 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 - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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-run Parent-led committee Rural setting Learning through play Outdoor 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. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Stower Vale Pre-School Inspection date Oct 2024 Inspection no. 10366694 Lead inspector Michelle Heimsoth Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50262852)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/139377) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://stowervalepreschool.co.uk/) Woodville Stour Provost, Gillingham, SP8 5LX [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-2.2785/50.99383/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Gillingham - [Day nurseries in Gillingham](/search?q=Gillingham) - [Day nurseries in South West](/search?q=South+West) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=stower-vale-pre-school-sp8-5lx-139377) ## 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 - 1 provide more opportunities for children to count and use numbers to further enhance their mathematical knowledge - 2 provide more targeted support during planned activities to help children achieve their next steps more swiftly. Inspection #10366694 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50262852) ## 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) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIP3a50y-8bf5i1Ywofher7qORmgmFAUw6VwPG9Y0rD9k3bVw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VQUzJxWWFvZzg2UzRnRRAB!2m1!1s0x487235590c7377f1:0x7b77aae34988bdda) Reviews from Google for Stower Vale Pre-School. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8896767482061700570&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: May 2005 - November 2024 Good - October 2024 Good - April 2019 Good - March 2019 Good - November 2015 Good - October 2015 Good - June 2009 Outstanding - May 2009 Outstanding - August 2006 Requires improvement - May 2005 Requires improvement ## Frequently asked about Stower Vale Pre-School ### What kind of childcare setting is Stower Vale Pre-School? ### Which funded hours does Stower Vale Pre-School accept? ### From what age does Stower Vale Pre-School accept children? ### What part of the country is Stower Vale Pre-School in? ## Nearby day nurseries in Gillingham Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Stower Vale Pre-School. - [ Ofsted: Good 2.5 mi ### Jungle Hut Pre School Sturminster Newton · DT10 1PZ ](/nursery/jungle-hut-pre-school-dt10-1pz-141105) - [ Ofsted rating unavailable 2.7 mi ### Little Gems (Dorset) Gillingham · SP8 4LT ](/nursery/little-gems-dorset-limited-sp8-4lt-2748470) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.7 mi ### Flying Start Nurseries Shaftesbury · SP7 8AE ](/nursery/flying-start-nurseries-sp7-8ae-ey344676) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.7 mi ### Tops Gillingham Gillingham · SP8 4FA 4.8(24 reviews) ](/nursery/tops-gillingham-sp8-4fa-2649112) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 4.2 mi ### Shaftesbury Children Centre Nursery Shaftesbury · SP7 8PZ 4.8(8 reviews) ](/nursery/shaftesbury-children-centre-nursery-sp7-8pz-2535359) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 4.7 mi ### Fontmell Magna Under Fives Shaftesbury · SP7 0PF ](/nursery/fontmell-magna-under-fives-sp7-0pf-ey413949) [See all nurseries in Gillingham →](/search?q=Gillingham) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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