--- title: "The Ark Child Okeford — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "The Ark Child Okeford, a nursery in Blandford Forum — Ofsted-rated Good. 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/the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096#nursery", "name": "The Ark Child Okeford", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "St. Nicholas C of E Primary School", "addressLocality": "Station Road", "postalCode": "DT11 8EL" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096#webpage" }, "telephone": "01258 861007", "sameAs": [ "https://www.thearkchildokeford.co.uk/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 50.910998, "longitude": -2.237237 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "BLANDFORD FORUM" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 5 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 4.7, "reviewCount": 3, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Brian Fitzsimons" }, "datePublished": "2025-12-19T20:42:21.947633181Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 4, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Philip white" }, "datePublished": "2025-04-03T09:48:54.269962Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jenna Bruty" }, "datePublished": "2020-11-04T11:45:28.916608Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096#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": "The Ark Child Okeford", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does The Ark Child Okeford run holiday club and wraparound care?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Club operate for school-aged children in The Raft. Holiday Club runs from 8.00am until 5.45pm during school holidays, and the after-school provision runs during term time." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is The Ark Child Okeford open?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting opens from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, for 50 weeks of the year. It closes for one week at the end of August and one week at Christmas." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does settling in work at The Ark Child Okeford?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Each baby and child has a key worker who plans activities around individual interests and stage of development. Parent feedback also describes children sharing photos from home through the online app with their key person, showing a close link between home and the setting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the nursery working on improving?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery is developing staff practice with younger children so mathematics is taught in ways that build confidence and skills for all children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What outdoor space does The Ark Child Okeford use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children use an outdoor area where they balance on planks, learn to spot hazards such as puddles and slippery grass, and spend time in fresh air and exercise." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can The Ark Child Okeford be contacted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Phone: 01258 861007. Website: https://www.thearkchildokeford.co.uk/." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "From what age does The Ark Child Okeford accept children?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The age range runs from 0 to 11 years." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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. The Ark Child Okeford # The Ark Child Okeford Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Feb 2025) · 4.7 (3 parent reviews) · St. Nicholas C of E Primary School, Station Road, BLANDFORD FORUM, DT11 8EL · Dorset Number of places 42 places Age range 0–5 yrs Last inspected Feb 2025 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 The Ark Child Okeford is a childcare facility situated in the heart of North Dorset, conveniently located between Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton, on the grounds of St. Nicholas Primary School in Child Okeford village. The nursery operates 50 weeks per year, closing for one week at the end of August and another at Christmas, with opening hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. As a community group, it is structured as a company limited by guarantee and functions as a registered charity. The Ark provides distinct environments for different age groups: a Baby Room for up to six infants under two years old, focusing on a calm and homely atmosphere that complements home routines with dedicated key workers; a Toddler Room for up to eight children per session, designed to foster individuality and aid in building relationships; and a Pre-school Room which emphasises making learning enjoyable through a variety of child-led and some adult-led activities covering all areas of development, including construction, mark-making, painting, music, and role-play. Additionally, "The Raft" offers Before and After School Clubs, along with Holiday Clubs for school-aged children from 5 to 11 years, ensuring comprehensive care and engaging activities. What it's like Children are happy and settled in this warm and welcoming nursery, forming strong bonds with staff who provide warm interactions and reassurance. Staff provide exciting learning opportunities and have high expectations for children's learning and behaviour. Children share, take turns, and learn about others' feelings. Charity-run Located on primary school grounds Offers wraparound care for school-aged children ## 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. [Request pricing →](http://www.thearkchildokeford.co.uk/contact) ## Key facts Opening hours 8.00am until 6.00pm for 50 weeks per year, closing for one week at the end of August and one week at Christmas. Session types Baby Room, Toddler Room, Pre-school, Breakfast Club, After School Club, Holiday Club Age range Babies under 2 years to 11 years Term time / All Year All Year ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of The Ark Child Okeford Inspection date Feb 2025 Inspection no. 10380846 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50273366)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/141096) 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 [ Visit website ](https://www.thearkchildokeford.co.uk/) St. Nicholas C of E Primary School, Station Road, BLANDFORD FORUM, DT11 8EL [© 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#/-2.23724/50.911/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near BLANDFORD FORUM - [Day nurseries in BLANDFORD FORUM](/search?q=BLANDFORD+FORUM) - [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=the-ark-child-okeford-dt11-8el-141096) Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for The Ark Child Okeford Last inspected 26 February 2025 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 are happy and settled in this warm and welcoming nursery, forming strong bonds with staff who provide warm interactions and reassurance. Staff provide exciting learning opportunities and have high expectations for children's learning and behaviour. Children share, take turns, and learn about others' feelings. Inspector highlights - The setting provides a broad and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of all the children. - Staff support children's language development and literacy well, clearly explaining the context and meaning of words. - Staff are attentive to babies wants and needs, providing appropriate resources to support and extend their interests. - Children behave well, and staff provide appropriate strategies to support conflict resolution. - The nursery is reflective and proactive in identifying areas for improvement, implementing training for staff to make mealtimes more purposeful and joyful. Areas to develop - 1 support staff working with younger children to implement the curriculum for mathematics in a way that helps all children to develop their confidence and skills. Inspection #10380846 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50273366) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > parents report that their children ask them to upload photos from home to the online app to share with their key person in the nursery. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child Outdoor space Children learn how to manage risks for themselves as they balance on planks outside. Staff help children to identify potential hazards, such as where the larger puddles may be and if the grass might be 'slippery' due to lots of rain. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise to help keep them fit and healthy. ## Parent Reviews of The Ark Child Okeford 4.7 (3) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocL1rRSx7l7g0lO0kTCqGyx1cBXZLMVOyehMPQpoFOonCjnaeg=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Brian Fitzsimons 5 months ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xvMk1GZFFOVjg1V0RWdGIwaHFTelZXWTBOdWNWRRAB!2m1!1s0x4873b4a71df5ce59:0x3ebf5d2722003218) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWUwyPKgjGu5-g758CNeH3DqnjSSzvTiB9r-ze3f9kh62n_M6c_=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba4) Philip white a year ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNJdWQzdm1RRRAB!2m1!1s0x4873b4a71df5ce59:0x3ebf5d2722003218) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWb6Soh6M4_h3zZg1P0iGhgHd2yZ2uo8RGionouPRrxthTNoyKovw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba3) Jenna Bruty 5 years ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNpX3FMdkV3EAE!2m1!1s0x4873b4a71df5ce59:0x3ebf5d2722003218) Reviews from Google for The Ark Child Okeford. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4521434973558813208&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: May 2009 - February 2025 Good - June 2019 Good - August 2015 Good - May 2009 Outstanding ## Frequently asked about The Ark Child Okeford ### Does The Ark Child Okeford run holiday club and wraparound care? ### When is The Ark Child Okeford open? ### How does settling in work at The Ark Child Okeford? ### What is the nursery working on improving? ### What outdoor space does The Ark Child Okeford use? ### How can The Ark Child Okeford be contacted? ### From what age does The Ark Child Okeford accept children? ## Nearby day nurseries in BLANDFORD FORUM Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Ark Child Okeford. - [ Ofsted: Good 1.2 mi ### Sunbeams Shillingstone Blandford Forum · DT11 0TX ](/nursery/sunbeams-shillingstone-dt11-0tx-2659314) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 3.3 mi ### Fontmell Magna Under Fives Shaftesbury · SP7 0PF ](/nursery/fontmell-magna-under-fives-sp7-0pf-ey413949) - [ Ofsted: Good 4.3 mi ### Panda Pre-School Blandford Forum · DT11 7SN ](/nursery/panda-pre-school-dt11-7sn-ey435384) - [ Awaiting first inspection 4.9 mi ### Archway Nursery School Blandford Forum · DT11 8TX 5.0(5 reviews) ](/nursery/archway-nursery-school-dt11-8tx-2845785) - [ Awaiting first inspection 4.9 mi ### Winterborne Stickland Nursery School CIO Blandford Forum · DT11 0NN ](/nursery/winterborne-stickland-nursery-school-cio-dt11-0nn-2853153) [See all nurseries in BLANDFORD FORUM →](/search?q=BLANDFORD+FORUM) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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