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Sunbeams Day Care

Ofsted: Good
(Nov 2022)
·
5.0(9 parent reviews)
·Heatherlands First School, Library Road, Poole, BH12 2BG · Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole
Number of places
52 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2022
Local authority
Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

About this day nursery

Sunbeams Day Care, established in 2006 and re-registered in 2012, operates from Heatherlands First School in Poole, Dorset, offering full day care for children aged 2 to 4 years. Open from 8am to 6pm, 50 weeks a year, the nursery provides a stimulating environment where children are greeted warmly and confidently explore various activities.

The dedicated management team ensures staff are well-supported with ongoing training, and a strong curriculum, based on the EYFS framework, is implemented across both the 'Tigger' and 'Piglet' rooms. The setting is committed to supporting children's emotional well-being and independence, encouraging them to take pride in safe and healthy practices.

The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) provides proactive support for children with SEND, working closely with parents and external agencies. While children who speak English as an additional language see their home language reflected in signs and books, the setting is working to provide more opportunities for them to use their home language in play and learning.

Parents consistently provide positive feedback on the daily support and updates they receive regarding their children's care and development.

What it's like

Children are greeted warmly by staff members upon arrival and quickly settle into their day. They engage in various activities, exploring their environment with confidence, and benefit from meaningful interactions with staff who support their interests and extend their learning. Parents appreciate the daily support and updates regarding their child's development.

Warm greetingsCuriosity fosteredStrong SEND supportParent communicationDedicated team

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

8am to 6pm

Term time / All Year

All_year

Established

2006

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Sunbeams Day Care

Last inspected 30 November 2022

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are greeted warmly by staff members upon arrival and quickly settle into their day. They engage in various activities, exploring their environment with confidence, and benefit from meaningful interactions with staff who support their interests and extend their learning. Parents appreciate the daily support and updates regarding their child's development.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are greeted warmly by staff members upon arrival and quickly settle into their day.
  • Children engage in various activities, exploring their environment with confidence, and benefit from meaningful interactions with staff who support their interests and extend their learning.
  • Parents appreciate the daily support and updates regarding their child's development.
  • The management team is passionate and dedicated, and staff feel well supported with ongoing training opportunities.
  • Children in the 'Tigger room' independently unzip coats and take them off, supporting their physical development and independence.
  • Younger children in the 'Piglet room' show focus and engagement during circle time, with staff using sign language to support communication.

Areas to develop

  • 1Strengthen staff understanding of how to consistently support children who speak EAL, further supporting their well-being and overall language development.
  • 2Review the way in which staff use the environment, to give children the best possible learning opportunities, both inside and outside.
Inspection #10233866 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is proactive in ensuring parents and children receive all the help they need for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). She consistently reviews their needs and contacts outside agencies to get additional funding and support. The SENCo provides support for staff and ensures all children's individual learning plans are successfully shared with parents.

Outdoor space

The manager has recently used feedback from parents to extend the outside area.

EAL / language support

Children who speak English as an additional language (EAL) see their home language through signs and books within the environment. However, staff currently do not provide enough opportunities for children to use their home language in their play and learning.

Parent Reviews of Sunbeams Day Care

5.0
(9)
Kirsty Clegg
a year ago

My daughter attended Sunbeams from the age of 2 right through from Piglets to Tiggers - having come from another nursery it didn't take her long to get settled in and she absolutely loved the freedom and independence that they nurture as the children get ready for school. Particularly in the latter year, she has grown so much and learnt so much - coming home suddenly writing her name, drawing, telling me stories, learning about all sorts of subjects she is now so ready and excited for school. I would highly recommend Sunbeams, the staff are amazing, they genuinely seem to love being there and get on with one another as much as they do the children. The effort put into their daily learning and especially certain events like the Christmas play and Summer picnic is second to none. I as well as my daughter will miss Sunbeams when she starts school!

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Steph S
4 years ago

My daughter has been attending the Sunbeams Poole setting for almost a year. She uses the Buddies breakfast and after school club and the sessions they put on over the school holidays. The staff are so lovely and really do the best for the children. She always talks about what activities she does and how much she likes the staff! Thank you for doing such a great job, it really makes a difference and you can see how much she enjoys her time with you.

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Danielle Johnson
3 years ago

To everyone at Sunbeams Poole, especially Piglet staff and Management. I just wanted to take the time to say how amazing you all are and how much I appreciate your kindness and support to me as a parent but also to my daughter. I have seen such a difference in her since starting with you at Sunbeams and I'm so pleased to see how happy and loved she is when I see photos of her playing. I would highly recommend you to any parent I know. Thank you so much

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Dannii b
3 years ago

My child had such a fantastic experience at Sunbeams and still talks about it now months later! All the staff at sunbeams were so accommodating and friendly. Taking time out of their busy day to have sit down chats with me when I was having a tough time with transitions in Dylan's care and experience. I cannot recommend them enough!

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Pearl McCarthy
6 years ago

Can't praise this nursery enough!! They were amazing with my first boy, who is now 6 and at school. My 2nd boy is currently in piglets at Sunbeams. My youngest took a little more time to settle in as he is very attached to me, more so than his older brother. But the staff are brilliant and always smiley and happy which helps so much with settling in the little ones. The rooms are light and airy, feeling calm and inviting. The garden has been thoughtfully landscaped to utilise nature for learning. My son has a visual impairment and Sunbeams have taken on all the recommendations from his Teacher for the Visually impaired and put adjustments in place to help him. I feel I can speak to the nursery staff quite freely, they are very approachable. Muddy munchkins Forest School is an excellent way of learning and looking forward to that when my son starts Tiggers. Sunbeams just held their Christmas event today and was so impressed how they pushed the boat out with the various activities, clay model tree decorations, decorate your own biscuit, tinsel ring toss on the reindeer and some fun with magic snow. All taken in with AF mulled cider and a mince pie. Lovely mini carol service at the end from the little ones. So much thought put it in by the lovely staff. If you're looking for a nursery place, visit Sunbeams, you won't be disappointed!

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Reviews from Google for Sunbeams Day Care. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: June 2013

  • November 2022Good
  • January 2017Good
  • June 2013Good

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