--- title: "The Grove Pre-School Playgroup — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "The Grove Pre-School Playgroup, a nursery in Dorchester — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos 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 and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370#nursery", "name": "The Grove Pre-School Playgroup", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "The Grove Pre-School Playgroup", "addressLocality": "The Bungalow", "postalCode": "DT1 2LA" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370#webpage" }, "telephone": "01305 266766", "sameAs": [ "https://www.thegroveplaygroup.com/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 50.71125, "longitude": -2.446876 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Dorchester" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 2, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ashton Galloway" }, "reviewBody": "Our daughter was here for the year before she started school, we are thoroughly impressed with the staff, activities, the help they have provided and communication with a can do attitude. We couldn't have asked for more, they've exceeded our expectations.", "datePublished": "2024-07-19T17:35:22.718980Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jenny Webster" }, "reviewBody": "I have a lot of contact with this pre school. The staff are excellent kind and friendly, experienced and dedicated.", "datePublished": "2017-08-03T15:20:36.128Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370#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 Grove Pre-School Playgroup", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is The Grove Pre-School Playgroup a private nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Grove Pre-School Playgroup is classed as childcare on non-domestic premises. It provides full day care for children aged 2 to 4, with term-time sessions in Dorchester." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When was The Grove Pre-School Playgroup established?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The playgroup was established in 1984. It operates as a registered charity and has been part of the local childcare offer in Dorchester for many years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out about the care at The Grove Pre-School Playgroup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children are helped to settle by preparing breakfast and serving themselves at the start of the day. Staff support active play outdoors, encourage social time in the community, and help children build skills for later learning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does The Grove Pre-School Playgroup support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff use funding to create cosier enclosed spaces that strengthen children’s emotional security. That approach supports children who need extra reassurance and helps them settle into play and daily routines." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does The Grove Pre-School Playgroup offer holiday care?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting runs during term time only and follows school holiday breaks. Sessions are arranged around the school calendar rather than year-round holiday childcare." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the opening hours at The Grove Pre-School Playgroup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The pre-school opens each weekday during term time from 8.15am to 3.45pm. Core funded hours run from 8.30am to 3.30pm, with morning and afternoon sessions plus a lunch club between 11.30am and 12.30pm." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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 Grove Pre-School Playgroup # The Grove Pre-School Playgroup Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Nov 2023) · 5.0 (2 parent reviews) · The Grove Pre-School Playgroup, The Bungalow, Dorchester, DT1 2LA · Dorset Number of places 21 places Age range 2–4 yrs Last inspected Nov 2023 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 Grove Pre-School Playgroup, established in 1984, operates as a registered charity located in Dorchester, Dorset. It offers a secure, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to engage in play, learn, and develop at their individual pace. The playgroup fosters early learning through a framework influenced by the Revised Early Years Foundation Stage (September 2021). This includes prime areas such as personal, social and emotional development, communication and language, and physical development, as well as specific areas like literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. Children are given opportunities for "freeflow" play, allowing them to choose their activities both indoors and outdoors, regardless of the weather. The curriculum also emphasises outdoor learning, encouraging children to manage risks, engage with natural materials, and explore independently. The playgroup also integrates a Rights Respecting approach, focusing on the child's right to play and developing their sense of responsibility in sharing and caring. They maintain a waiting list and accept children from the term following their second birthday. The team includes staff working towards or holding recognised Early Years qualifications. Our ethos At the Grove Playgroup we recognise that the prime motivation for children’s early learning is their own joy of life and the pleasure they gain from experiences offered to them. What it's like There is a calm atmosphere across the pre-school. Children follow effective behaviour expectations and show respect to staff and friends. Staff successfully help all children to develop the skills they need for the future. Charity-run Outdoor Learning Rights Respecting approach Freeflow Play EYFS Curriculum ## Pricing & funding Fees are calculated on a flat hourly rate. Additional fixed surcharges apply for early morning starts and late afternoon finishes. Good to know - Early starts at 8.15am incur an additional charge. - Late finishes at 3.45pm incur an additional charge. ## Key facts Opening hours Monday to Friday: 8:30am-11:30am, 12:30pm-3:30pm (core funded hours). Lunch club: 11:30am-12:30pm. Session types Morning session, Afternoon session, Lunch club Age range 2 years to school age Term time / All Year Term Time Established 1984 ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of The Grove Pre-School Playgroup Inspection date Nov 2023 Inspection no. 10305497 Lead inspector Rachel Cornish Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50235277)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/139370) 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.thegroveplaygroup.com/) The Grove Pre-School Playgroup, The Bungalow, Dorchester, DT1 2LA [© 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#/-2.44688/50.71125/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Dorchester - [Day nurseries in Dorchester](/search?q=Dorchester) - [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-grove-pre-school-playgroup-dt1-2la-139370) Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for The Grove Pre-School Playgroup Last inspected 9 November 2023 · Rachel Cornish 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 There is a calm atmosphere across the pre-school. Children follow effective behaviour expectations and show respect to staff and friends. Staff successfully help all children to develop the skills they need for the future. Inspector highlights - Children have opportunities to help prepare breakfast for their friends and to make their own breakfast, helping them settle quickly. - Staff successfully help all children to develop the skills they need for the future, fostering a positive attitude to learning. - Children enjoy opportunities to socialise and explore their community, regularly visiting a local care home for intergenerational learning. - Children are supported well to lead active lifestyles, playing outdoors daily and using a range of equipment. - The manager values everyone's contribution, emphasising staff well-being and a strong team spirit. Areas to develop - 1 support all staff to embed the curriculum intent more securely so that their teaching consistently focuses on what they want children to learn - 2 ensure that all parents know their child's individual next steps and are kept informed of their ongoing progress so that they can support their child's learning at home Inspection #10305497 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50235277) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > parents say that the staff are 'friendly' and 'warm' and that 'even the children are welcoming' > Parents speak highly about the care that staff provide for their children. They say that staff chat with them about their child's day at handover time. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Staff have used funding to provide children with cosier enclosed areas to support their emotional security. Outdoor space Children are supported well to lead active lifestyles. They play outdoors daily and enjoy using a range of equipment that supports their developing muscle control, balance and coordination. For example, children enjoy climbing on the climbing frame, using swinging bars and negotiating the ramp in the outdoor area. EAL / language support Children who learn English as an additional language have good opportunities to learn words in English. ## Parent Reviews of The Grove Pre-School Playgroup 5.0 (2) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocI9wGWAOdA40FJlRZvJB0l_ly-3JwnMIr9JzrFp4F6FszkP5w=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba3) Ashton Galloway a year ago Our daughter was here for the year before she started school, we are thoroughly impressed with the staff, activities, the help they have provided and communication with a can do attitude. We couldn't have asked for more, they've exceeded our expectations. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURydzhHQTJRRRAB!2m1!1s0x487259c3823b4a1f:0x4e8900b338b334b) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKwl5G2_6jXpy6pICBGD35xq4iPzmZTVLNbuWRbLzEFocizBA=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2) Jenny Webster 8 years ago I have a lot of contact with this pre school. The staff are excellent kind and friendly, experienced and dedicated. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNnNk1IT2h3RRAB!2m1!1s0x487259c3823b4a1f:0x4e8900b338b334b) Reviews from Google for The Grove Pre-School Playgroup. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=353690948532384587&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: January 2011 - December 2023 Good - November 2023 Good - March 2018 Good - February 2018 Good - December 2014 Good - November 2014 Good - January 2011 Good ## Frequently asked about The Grove Pre-School Playgroup ### Is The Grove Pre-School Playgroup a private nursery? ### When was The Grove Pre-School Playgroup established? ### What stands out about the care at The Grove Pre-School Playgroup? ### How does The Grove Pre-School Playgroup support children with SEND? ### Does The Grove Pre-School Playgroup offer holiday care? ### What are the opening hours at The Grove Pre-School Playgroup? ## Nearby day nurseries in Dorchester Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Grove Pre-School Playgroup. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.4 mi ### Summertime Nursery & Preschool Dorchester · DT1 2ET ](/nursery/summertime-nursery-preschool-dt1-2et-ey493659) - [ Ofsted: Requires improvement 0.5 mi ### Chipmunks Day Nursery Dorchester · DT1 2BS ](/nursery/chipmunks-day-nursery-dt1-2bs-ey454946) - [ Ofsted rating unavailable 0.6 mi ### Little Robins Nursery Dorchester · DT1 1EB ](/nursery/little-robins-nursery-dt1-1eb-2813369) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Sunny Day Nursery & Play Club Dorchester · DT1 3WA 4.3(18 reviews) ](/nursery/sunny-day-nursery-play-club-dt1-3wa-ey216520) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 1.6 mi ### Charminster Preschool Dorchester · DT2 9RD ](/nursery/charminster-preschool-dt2-9rd-ey337568) - [ Ofsted: Good 4.7 mi ### Preston Pre-School Weymouth · DT3 6BH ](/nursery/preston-pre-school-ltd-dt3-6bh-ey474916) [See all nurseries in Dorchester →](/search?q=Dorchester) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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