Opening hours
8:00am - 6:00pm
The Balsam Nursery
Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2024)
Number of places
85 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2024
Local authority
Somerset
About this day nursery
The Balsam Nursery, located in Wincanton, offers comprehensive childcare for young children. Emphasising a strong partnership with parents, the nursery aims to create a stimulating and secure environment where children can thrive, learn, and develop at their own pace.
They focus on providing a rich and varied curriculum that supports all areas of early childhood development, encouraging curiosity, exploration, and a love for learning. The nursery promotes a nurturing atmosphere, ensuring each child feels valued and supported in their individual journey.
With a commitment to open communication and collaboration, The Balsam Nursery strives to build strong relationships with families, working together to foster each child's growth and well-being. They also provide detailed policies regarding medication, illness, and emergency procedures to ensure a safe and organised care environment.
Our ethos
The Balsam Nursery aims to create a stimulating and secure environment where children can thrive, learn, and develop at their own pace. They focus on providing a rich and varied curriculum that supports all areas of early childhood development, encouraging curiosity, exploration, and a love for learning. The nursery promotes a nurturing atmosphere, ensuring each child feels valued and supported.
What it's like
Children at The Balsam Nursery are happy and eager to learn, benefiting from staff's warm, caring, and nurturing interactions. Staff provide a varied and enjoyable curriculum, supporting children in making choices and fostering their motivation as active learners. Secure attachments are formed through an effective key-person system, ensuring children feel safe and secure from settling in.
Strong parent partnershipStimulating learning environmentComprehensive early childhood development
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged on a regular hourly basis with a cooked two-course lunch available as an optional extra. A holding deposit is required to secure a child's place, and fees are reviewed annually.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- A holding deposit of £200 is required to secure a place, which is deducted from the first month's invoice.
- Deposits are non-refundable if the place is not taken.
- The hourly fee is reviewed regularly, with a minimum of 2 months' notice given for any increases.
- A surcharge applies for late collection after 6:00 pm.
Key facts
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2019
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for The Balsam Nursery
Last inspected 23 January 2024 · Marie Swindells
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 at The Balsam Nursery are happy and eager to learn, benefiting from staff's warm, caring, and nurturing interactions. Staff provide a varied and enjoyable curriculum, supporting children in making choices and fostering their motivation as active learners. Secure attachments are formed through an effective key-person system, ensuring children feel safe and secure from settling in.
Inspector highlights
- Children are happy and arrive at the nursery eager to learn.
- Staff's interactions with children are warm, caring and nurturing.
- Staff consistently make children's learning enjoyable and exciting.
- Staff form secure attachments with children through an effective key-person system.
- Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.
Areas to develop
- 1review the organisation of large-group activities so that children consistently benefit from the intended curriculum
- 2make greater use of spontaneous opportunities to encourage children to talk about size, quantities and numerals.
Inspection #10326439 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents appreciate the inclusive practice and targeted support their children receive to help to meet their individual needs.
parents welcome the experiences their children have to promote an understanding of family backgrounds, local communities and what makes their children unique.
Parents comment very positively about the consistency in care and education and the progress their children make over time.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Staff who have received training in this specialist area support others to implement individual support plans. Regular assessments, intensive support and meetings with parents and/or other professionals involved in the child's care ensure that children make the best possible progress.
Outdoor space
The baby room is airy and spacious. Staff set toys up on different levels to promote babies' physical development. Babies crawl, shuffle and walk to the heavy duty tray, enjoying exploring a range of sensory activities.
Inspection history
Date: January 2022
- January 2024Good
- January 2022Good
Frequently asked about The Balsam Nursery
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