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The Orchard Pre-school and Playgroup

Ofsted: Outstanding
(May 2022)
·
5.0(2 Google reviews) ·Lustleigh Village Hall, Lustleigh, Newton Abbot, TQ13 9TA · Devon
Number of places
16 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2022
Local authority
Devon

About this early years setting

The Orchard Pre-school and Playgroup in Lustleigh, Newton Abbot, is a registered charity providing care for children from birth to four years old. The nursery operates on Monday from 7.30am to 4pm, and from Tuesday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4pm. During the Easter and summer holidays, care is available from Tuesday to Thursday between 8.30am and 4pm. It accepts government funding for eligible children. At its inspection in May 2022, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding.

Inspectors found that all children benefit from outdoor learning. Babies and toddlers explore a nature garden, while older children take part in activities like 'muddy maths' in the woodland area. The curriculum was described as exceptionally well planned, with communication and language development noted as a particular strength. Ofsted also highlighted that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive strong support. The setting has links with the local community, which includes children visiting local shops and garages.

Our ethos

We provide an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ place where you are welcomed by a team of qualified, knowledgeable and experienced early years practitioners who go above and beyond to make your child feel safe, settled and cared for. An interesting and stimulating space where your child can explore, learn and develop at a pace that is right for them, spending as much time as possible playing outside in the magical Dartmoor landscape – growing, learning, playing – and slowly developing an understanding of the world through nature. We encourage all children to see the magic that nature has to offer in every session.

What it's like

Children flourish in this highly stimulating and nurturing environment. Staff embrace children's uniqueness and character, enabling children to thrive and reach their full potential. The curriculum is exceptionally well planned and tailored to meet every child's individual needs.

Nature-based learningOutdoor focusedCharity-runOfsted rated good

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged based on the hours chosen, organised by three age bands: Acorns (8 months to 2 years), Saplings (2 to 3 years), and Oaks (3 years and over). Rates are structured for full days, half days, and wrap-around sessions, with a separate charge for daily consumables. Holiday club options are also available.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Minimum booking of 5 hours per day is required.
  • Open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.00pm.
  • Daily consumables charge is applicable across all age groups.

Key facts

Session types

Full day, Half day, Breakfast Club, After School Club, Holiday Club

Opening hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 4:00pm

Age range

8 months to 5+ years

Term time / All Year

Mixed

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Orchard Pre-school and Playgroup

Last inspected 5 May 2022 · Joanne Steward

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

What it's like to attend

Children flourish in this highly stimulating and nurturing environment. Staff embrace children's uniqueness and character, enabling children to thrive and reach their full potential. The curriculum is exceptionally well planned and tailored to meet every child's individual needs.

Inspector highlights

  • The current manager is highly experienced and exceptionally passionate about ensuring every child can thrive and has made significant changes, including offering care for babies, opening the setting earlier, and providing forest school activities throughout the year.
  • Children's communication and language development is a particular strength across all age groups.
  • Links with the local community are excellent, with children visiting local shops and garages, and residents visiting the setting.
  • Children and staff have formed warm and loving relationships, with children's well-being at the forefront.
  • Staff morale is high, and they receive unconditional support from the manager and committee, a designated mentor, and access to a wide range of training courses.
Inspection #10062520 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents praise the setting highly. They comment how it has gone from 'strength to strength', incorporating a 'whole-child approach'.

Parents say how children with SEND have had the utmost support and how the setting works exceptionally well with other professionals.

They appreciate the ideas staff provide on how to support their child's development at home, which have been highly beneficial.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are particularly well supported to ensure gaps in learning close quickly. Parents say how children with SEND have had the utmost support and how the setting works exceptionally well with other professionals.

Outdoor space

All children benefit highly from and embrace nature. Babies and toddlers enjoy exploring the nature garden and using natural materials to develop excellent sensory and language experiences. Older children embrace 'muddy maths' in the woodland area, using magnifying glasses to search for insects and record them using a tally chart system to enhance their mathematical skills.

Google Reviews of The Orchard Pre-school and Playgroup

5.0
(2 Google reviews)
Owain Davies
9 years ago

Great experience for the kids, with outdoor nature garden and acres of green space

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for The Orchard Pre-school and Playgroup. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: July 2004

  • June 2022Outstanding
  • May 2022Outstanding
  • November 2015Good
  • October 2015Good
  • February 2012Good
  • January 2012Good
  • February 2008Good
  • April 2005Good
  • July 2004Good

Frequently asked about The Orchard Pre-school and Playgroup

About the setting

Orchard Pre-school and Playgroup registered in 1984. It operates from Lustleigh Village Hall, Devon. The provider is in receipt of free early education funding for children aged two, three and four years. There are 11 staff employed to work with the children. Of these, two hold qualified teacher status, one holds a relevant level 4 qualification, and the majority of staff hold qualifications at level 3. Additionally, two staff are qualified forest school leaders.

URN
106167
Registered person
The Orchard Pre-school and Playgroup Committee
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Good

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more