Explorers Herston

Woodland play and an emphasis on language shaped Explorers Herston's September 2023 inspection account. Based at St Marks School in Swanage, it has 24 places for children aged 24 to 60 months. At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective.

This is a term-time setting, closed during school holidays.

In September 2023, the forest school area gave children opportunities to investigate woodland materials through sound and their senses. Outdoor play also included balancing beams, climbing equipment and a rope for swinging. These were physical challenges alongside opportunities to explore.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing learning and everyday wellbeing together. In September 2023, children's interests shaped activities: dinosaurs became starting points for counting, puzzles and books. Stories extended into role play, with children acting as trolls beneath a woodland bridge.

Practical experimentation mattered too. In September 2023, children made play dough, measured flour together and decided how to alter its consistency. Staff used questions to help them think through their choices. Vocabulary was another emphasis, with adults introducing more demanding words rather than restricting conversation to familiar ones.

In September 2023, adults took time to understand individual children and responded to distress with comfort and questions about its cause. Everyday tasks supported independence: children put on outdoor clothing, buttered crumpets and helped with washing up. Care and participation worked together.

Communication extended beyond the setting. In September 2023, staff discussed children's development, achievements and concerns with families, while books and other resources could be borrowed for use at home. That gave parents concrete ways to continue activities together.

Health routines also featured in September 2023. Children brushed their teeth with accompanying songs, exercised in the woodland and discussed healthy food; parents received guidance about suitable lunch foods.

The address is St Marks School, High Street, Swanage, BH19 2PH. Opening hours are 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure during school holidays.

In September 2023, the setting operated from St Mark's CE Primary School and received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. Attendance at a nursery on a school site does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Purposeful activities. At the September 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified two priorities: clearer delivery of planned learning aims and better support for younger children to follow routines, especially outdoors. During a visit, ask how staff now help children sustain attention and understand instructions.
• School-holiday cover. The current opening pattern is term-time, with school-holiday closures. Families needing care throughout the year should factor those breaks into their arrangements.
• Funding and daily costs. Early education funding was part of the offer in September 2023. What would the current written quotation include for your child's attendance, meals and consumables?

Explorers Herston suits families seeking term-time care on a school site, with a September 2023 account centred on woodland exploration, language and practical independence. The Good judgement provides a dated quality benchmark. The most useful next step is to explore how the two teaching priorities have been addressed, especially for younger children learning outdoor routines.