Session types
Full Day (8am-5pm), School Day (8:45am-3:15pm), Morning (8:45am-12pm), Morning (8:45am-1pm), Afternoon (1pm-3:15pm), Afternoon (1pm-5pm), After School (3:15-5pm)
Watery Lane Pre-school
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2022)
Number of places
34 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2022
Local authority
Somerset
About this early years setting
Watery Lane Pre-school, located in Minehead, Somerset, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. The pre-school operates during term-time, providing care for 39 weeks a year, from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
They also provide wraparound care through their 'Allstars Club' for school-aged children, which includes breakfast and after-school sessions. The pre-school is committed to fostering a positive learning experience, as evidenced by testimonials from parents who praise the dedicated staff, varied activities, and the supportive atmosphere.
They offer various session types, including full day, school day, morning, and afternoon options, with specific hourly rates for different age groups. Watery Lane Pre-school emphasises learning through play, with a focus on outdoor experiences, including a Forest School programme.
The setting aims to provide a strong foundation for children's development, preparing them for their next steps in education.
Our ethos
Watery Lane Pre-school emphasises learning through play and outdoor experiences, including a Forest School programme, aiming to provide a strong foundation for children's development and prepare them for their next steps in education. They are committed to fostering a positive learning experience in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
What it's like
The manager has an ambitious curriculum for all children, which she shares effectively with staff and parents. Staff make meticulous observations and skilfully adapt learning experiences based on children's interests. They tailor settling-in sessions for younger children and those new to the pre-school, and facilitate smooth transitions to primary school.
Forest SchoolWraparound careTerm-time onlyPlay-based learning
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged at hourly rates depending on the child's age group. The nursery has separate rates for two-to-three-year-olds and three-to-four-year-olds. Wraparound care is also offered via a breakfast and afterschool club for school-aged children.
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- Fees are billed at an hourly rate based on age-specific rooms.
- Wraparound breakfast and afterschool care is available for school-aged children.
Key facts
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, 39 weeks of the year. Closed on bank holidays and 5 inset days.
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Watery Lane Pre-school
Last inspected 1 July 2022
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
What it's like to attend
The manager has an ambitious curriculum for all children, which she shares effectively with staff and parents. Staff make meticulous observations and skilfully adapt learning experiences based on children's interests. They tailor settling-in sessions for younger children and those new to the pre-school, and facilitate smooth transitions to primary school.
Inspector highlights
- The manager and staff noticed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health and well-being. They completed training to be able to offer specific help.
- Partnerships with parents and other agencies are excellent. Staff rapidly identify when children may need additional support and put in place interventions.
- Younger children love experimenting. Staff offer encouragement and readily adapt activities following children's ideas.
- Staff continually talk with the children, using signs, home languages and visual cues to help them join in conversations.
- The manager and staff organise excellent outings, such as weekly visits to the forest area and train rides to the beach, to enhance children's understanding of the wider world.
Inspection #10126084 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff rapidly identify when children may need additional support. They work closely with parents and other agencies to put in place interventions to help children. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make excellent progress.
Outdoor space
Staff have created a log circle and firepit in the outdoor area to teach children safety rules around real fires for when they visit the off-site forest area. Children become very familiar with the rules and boundaries that they need to know to stay safe when out and about. The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation during outdoor play.
Inspection history
Date: March 2004
- August 2022Outstanding
- July 2022Outstanding
- February 2016Outstanding
- January 2016Outstanding
- April 2010Outstanding
- March 2010Outstanding
- May 2007Outstanding
- March 2004Good
Frequently asked about Watery Lane Pre-school
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