Sandford St Martin's Nursery School CIC

Counting on trampolines and exploring woodland gave this Sandford nursery a practical, active character in February 2024. Physical play sat alongside conversation, construction and imaginative baking, giving children different ways to develop ideas and put them into words.

Ofsted judged the nursery Good on 29 February 2024 and found safeguarding effective. Sandford St Martin's Nursery School CIC has 35 places in total; children attending at the time of that visit were aged two to four.

In February 2024, the curriculum combined movement with mathematical language: children counted as they jumped on trampolines and matched numbers to displayed numerals. Woodland walks took place once a week, with leaves, sticks and mud becoming materials for exploration. The garden also prompted wildlife investigations, including looking for animal tracks after watching badger videos.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, its learning areas took practical form in February 2024 through building with sponge bricks, designing vehicles with magnetic shapes and inventing play-dough food. Books, songs and conversations gave children vocabulary to explain their creations. Discussions about languages and countries introduced different cultures through everyday learning.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff understood children's interests and identified developmental priorities, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, but some children needed more help to practise those skills and close learning gaps. Recognising a need was the starting point; consistent opportunities to work on it were the improvement required.

In February 2024, Colour Monster, a children's book used to explore emotions, helped children recognise and manage difficult feelings. Safety discussions also involved children directly: they explained why coats belonged on hooks and alerted staff to potential hazards.

Parents received progress updates and information about concerns in February 2024. Borrowing books encouraged shared reading at home, while a cuddly bear's diary gave adults a way to model writing and children something to share with friends.

The address is Sandford, Wareham, Dorset BH20 7AJ. In February 2024, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm, during term time and during holidays according to demand. At that point, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four.

In February 2024, the nursery occupied the grounds of Sandford St Martin Primary School and staff worked with the on-site school on preparation for future learning. Activities included recognising names and developing pencil and tool grip. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Practice after assessment. The February 2024 improvement priority concerned giving children enough help to practise identified learning steps. This matters especially where a child needs support to close a developmental gap.
• Attendance and costs. Holiday opening depended on demand in February 2024. At a visit, what attendance arrangements and funded-hours terms would apply to your child, including meals and consumables?

This is a nursery to consider for families who value active learning, outdoor exploration and links between home and nursery. The February 2024 picture combines woodland experiences and practical mathematics with emotional support and preparation for school. The central reservation is equally specific: identified learning needs must lead to enough supported practice.