Little Discoveries Nunney

Kaleidoscopes, art made with broken lasagne sheets and a tree for signing in give Little Discoveries Nunney a recognisable character. In March 2024, children explored ideas through unusual materials and took responsibility for small tasks throughout their day. Independence had practical expression.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding at its 21 March 2024 inspection. The setting accepts children aged two to five and has 24 places in total. Its term-time opening pattern makes the school calendar a central consideration for families.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: exploration, communication and everyday skills belong together. In March 2024, staff adapted activities to children's interests and next steps, rather than expecting everyone to tackle learning in the same way.

Kaleidoscopes brought colour and shape into exploration, while painted pieces of broken lasagne became art materials. Magnifying glasses and toy insects gave children something concrete to investigate, with staff using questions to extend their thinking. Group language activities included signing alongside speech.

Reading also gave children a say. In March 2024, they helped choose the book of the week, returning to it across the week alongside factual stories, fiction and rhyme. Familiar books gave new vocabulary repeated use. Sand play offered another setting for storytelling; trips to community recycling bins connected environmental responsibility with road safety.

At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements and carefully targeted learning that supported progress for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff worked with parents, schools and other professionals, seeking additional support and funding where needed.

Daily routines made independence tangible in March 2024. Children identified their names on a registration tree, managed belongings using drawers and pegs, served lunch and cleared their plates. Flannels and a mirror helped them wash their own faces. These were opportunities to practise self-care, rather than tasks adults automatically completed for them.

Cooperation was visible in shared jobs, including tidying the sand tray and helping with friends' water bottles. Certificates recognised effort and achievement. Regular staff meetings and reviews of practice helped identify training needs, linking staff development to children's experiences.

Catch Road, Nunney, Frome, BA11 4NE is the nursery's address. Opening hours are 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the setting closes for school holidays.

In March 2024, the nursery received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. At that time it occupied the Nunney First School site. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• School-holiday cover. Attendance follows term time. Families needing year-round childcare will need separate arrangements for school holidays.
• Booking around the working day. The opening window runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Which attendance pattern can the nursery agree within those hours?
• Reception admissions. Sharing the Nunney First School site in March 2024 did not confer a guaranteed school place. Treat nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Little Discoveries Nunney suits families seeking term-time childcare for children aged two to five, with a day that ends in mid-afternoon. Its March 2024 examples give substance to the Outstanding judgement: children made choices about books, explored unfamiliar materials and practised independence through ordinary routines. The calendar is the practical deciding factor.