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The Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2022)
·
5.0(11 parent reviews) ·Edmondsham Village Hall, Edmondsham, WIMBORNE, BH21 5RF · Dorset
Number of places
16 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2022
Local authority
Dorset

About this day nursery

The Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery, located in Wimborne, BH21 5RF, offers a unique outdoor learning experience for children within a Forest School setting. The nursery prioritises immersing children in nature, believing it fosters happiness, learning, and development by enhancing their senses and encouraging creative and imaginative play.

Their approach focuses on nurturing 'the whole child,' allowing each child to progress at their own pace while working towards the Early Years Foundation Stage goals. The dedicated staff supports children in achieving their full potential through outdoor activities like woodland walks, picnics, puddle jumping, and exploring natural elements.

Children also engage in growing vegetables, learning campfire skills, and preparing food. On days with extreme weather, the nursery provides a comfortable indoor space equipped with natural toys and materials for creative activities such as painting, singing, storytelling, and baking.

The nursery maintains small group sizes and a high adult-to-child ratio to ensure children feel secure, comfortable, and confident as they learn and grow. They are Ofsted regulated.

What it's like

Children behave exceptionally well, taking turns, showing respect, and playing beautifully together. They thrive in a calm, well-organised environment, demonstrating impressive attention and eagerness to show off their knowledge. Staff support children's communication, language, and social skills through small-group activities, boosting their confidence.

Forest SchoolOutdoor NurseryNature-based learningSmall group sizesHigh adult-to-child ratio

Pricing & funding

Kindergarten sessions are offered as morning, afternoon, or full-day options. Standard fees include all meals, snacks, and forest school supplements. For funded places, additional daily charges apply for meals, snacks, and forest school sessions.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • A registration fee is charged which is deducted from the first invoice.
  • Standard kindergarten fees are inclusive of all meals, snacks, and forest school supplements.
  • Funded places are subject to extra daily charges for lunch, snacks, and forest school.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, from 8.45am until 4.15pm during school term times. Additional sessions run during some holiday periods for children up to the age of 11 years.

Session types

Morning sessions: 8:45 – 1:45, Afternoon sessions: 12:15 – 4:15, All Day: 8:45 – 4:15

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2007

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery

Last inspected 28 April 2022 · Rachel Cornish

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children behave exceptionally well, taking turns, showing respect, and playing beautifully together. They thrive in a calm, well-organised environment, demonstrating impressive attention and eagerness to show off their knowledge. Staff support children's communication, language, and social skills through small-group activities, boosting their confidence.

Inspector highlights

  • Children behave exceptionally well, taking turns, showing respect for each other's ideas and playing beautifully together.
  • Staff plan a challenging, varied curriculum to ensure children are well prepared for the next stage in their development.
  • The environment is rich in language. Staff speak quietly and calmly to the children and encourage good conversations.
  • Children's understanding of simple mathematics is well supported.
  • Staff have formed friendly, professional partnerships with parents, who speak highly of every aspect of the nursery.

Areas to develop

  • 1build on the good learning opportunities to provide all children with the time to problem-solve, and help them to critically think, further promoting their independence.
Inspection #10126346 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

communication is very good and that their children have 'blossomed' and are keen to attend

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff plan a challenging, varied curriculum to ensure children are well prepared for the next stage in their development. They identify and put in place positive strategies, for instance sign language or introducing positional concepts, such as 'besides' or 'next to', to support children's learning and understanding.

Outdoor space

Older children confidently talk about the forest school rules and practise them as they walk around to complete risk assessments before they start exploring the woodland area. Children develop their physical strength as they climb on large tyres, use rope swings, run around and ride on balance bikes.

Parent Reviews of The Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery

5.0
(11)
Emma Baines
4 years ago

Both children came here for many years and had an absolutely wonderful time. It was so great to know that they were having an active day outdoors and I loved that they got to do things for themselves and be treated in a very grown up manner. They would always be pointing out different plants and flowers to me and telling me what they were. The teachers are kind and attentive and are provided a nutritious, healthy lunch with no junk food and I loved the big book of memories we were given at the end of our time. The social aspect as a grown-up was fantastic too, with the autumn gatherings and lantern walks.

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louise haskell
4 years ago

Both my children have attended Elves & Fairies, it has been such a wonderful experience for them, learning through play, outside in all the elements. Sledging on the ice in the winter, mud kitchens ( with real mud ) balancing on logs, watching a mole peel out of his hill, caring for the chickens, making clay ornaments from clay dug from the forest. Summer is chasing butterflies, chalk drawing, swinging or snoozing in hammocks, sliding into the stream ( under the ever watchful eyes of the staff ) the list is endless fun & freedom.

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Lucy Thomas
2 years ago

Elves and Fairies is completely unique and really quite special. It is truly child-centric and the adults are wonderful - very flexible and dedicated. My little boy spent 9 months at another nursery and hated going in. It was pretty miserable. A few weeks here and he walks in happily and comes out mud covered and beaming. The high ratio and smaller numbers means they are like a little family and the children build secure relationships with the adults and each other. I honestly can’t praise it highly enough. It’s a truly heart led setting.

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Eve Worrall
4 years ago

Such a fantastic nursery! Both my children have absolutely loved attending elves and fairies. The setting is idlyllic, whatever the weather they have always been happy to be in the woods. The staff are always professional. They really get to know, care for and understand the individual needs of the children. It feels like a big family. To see my childrens confidence and independence flourish thanks to their time at elves and fairies has been a joy. The delicious, wholesome food, the chickens, the beautiful crafts.....I could continue endlessly!

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beth robinson
4 years ago

Both our children have had the pleasure of attending Elves and Fairies, learning so much through outdoor play and adventures. I cannot speak highly enough of both the beautiful setting and the staff, who provide the children with such wonderful learning opportunities in which to flourish and grow. The children started school a few years ago now but still speak very fondly of the nursery and have since enjoyed returning for Adventure in the Woods.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for The Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: May 2011

  • April 2022Good
  • January 2017Outstanding
  • October 2013Good
  • May 2011Good

Frequently asked about The Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery

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