Little Monkeys at The Old Cottage

In September 2025, a large garden, lively storytelling and warm staff relationships characterised Little Monkeys at The Old Cottage, alongside weaknesses in teaching and individual care that families should weigh carefully. At its 26 September 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Requires improvement, identifying teaching weaknesses that restricted learning, while finding safeguarding effective.

The Ringwood setting has 65 places in total. In September 2025, children attending were aged 0 to 7; that age range describes attendance at the time rather than today's intake.

In September 2025, the outdoor space offered room for physical activity, with a secure, well-equipped garden section for younger children. Babies played with sand while staff sang pat-a-cake. Older children had fewer activities prepared outside, reducing the educational value of their garden time. Outdoor space alone was not enough.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2025 activities included songs, stories, instruments and construction play: practical opportunities to develop language, listen and concentrate.

Five Little Monkeys prompted children to sing and move, while animated storytelling encouraged them to remember details and encounter new vocabulary. Children also concentrated on building blocks in the soft-play area. These were useful examples of engagement, but planning did not consistently match individual interests and needs. Some children drifted between activities rather than becoming involved, making the challenge and purpose of the planned day an important consideration.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements did not ensure sufficiently individualised care, that required baby-care training had not been completed, and that collaboration with other agencies and schools helped children receive support and prepare for their next stage.

In September 2025, cover during staff absence did not maintain continuity in children's learning, and intimate care was not routinely undertaken by their key person. These weaknesses matter because a familiar adult needs to understand both a child's learning and everyday care.

Communication offered a stronger practical strand that month. Parents received development updates through an online platform and exchanged information with staff at the start and end of the day. Children received encouragement, and familiar routines included handwashing before eating and putting on outdoor clothing.

Leadership ideas had yet to become consistent practice across the recently formed team in September 2025. Leaders had sought additional help, while staff reported feeling supported. Seeking help was a step; embedding it in daily care remained the task.

The address is The Old Cottage, 14 West Street, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1DZ.

In September 2025, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year. The nursery also provided government-funded childcare at that time. These are dated operating arrangements, rather than a description of today's booking options.

• Care for babies. September 2025 findings included incomplete baby-care training and weaknesses in the key-person arrangements. Ask how training, familiar-adult care and cover during absence now work together.
• Purposeful learning. Planning and older children's outdoor activities needed attention in September 2025. A visit should explore how activities now match individual interests and extend learning indoors and outside.
• Attendance fit. The September 2025 opening window spanned the working day. Which current session patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?

For families looking for outdoor space, storytelling and regular parent communication, this setting merits careful consideration. The September 2025 picture also demands scrutiny of individual care and purposeful teaching. Those practical weaknesses matter more than the appeal of a large garden: the deciding issue is how consistently children's needs shape their day.