Little Harriers Day Nursery Cranleigh

Woodland exploration gives this Dunsfold Park nursery a clear character: listening for birds, learning about wildlife and discussing how to handle sticks safely were all part of children's experiences in December 2024. Nature supplied both the activity and the conversation.

At its 2 December 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated Little Harriers Outstanding and found safeguarding effective, with well-delivered learning and careful assessment supporting children's progress. The nursery accepts children aged 3 to 60 months and has 80 places in total.

In December 2024, learning connected children's interests with new ideas. A favourite story became a tray of characters and objects to explore; scented dough introduced vocabulary associated with ginger and peppermint. These were concrete ways to give children something to talk about, rather than treating language as a separate exercise.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the December 2024 activities illustrated learning through play, conversation and exploration. An art programme introduced famous artists, then gave children opportunities to experiment with their own pictures and discuss colour and feelings.

Outdoor experiences also made abstract ideas tangible. In December 2024, pretend snow prompted discussion about melting ice, temperature and suitable clothing. Children listened for a robin in the woodland. Letters, pictures and stories exchanged with a nursery near a coastal city introduced comparisons between children's lives, while links with places of worship supported learning about celebrations including Easter.

In December 2024, babies shared affectionate interactions with practitioners who knew them well. Singing outdoors and playing with bubbles created opportunities for adults to introduce simple words. Older children practised independence by putting away their belongings and finding their friends.

Behaviour expectations were taught through everyday actions. In December 2024, younger children learned about gentle hands and walking indoors, while older children discussed woodland safety and demonstrated how to carry sticks. The examples connected boundaries with what children were actually doing.

Parents received information about care routines and ideas for extending learning at home in December 2024. A coordinator supported a home-learning programme with activities families could undertake themselves. Staff also received continuing training and reviews of their practice: support for the adults sat alongside support for families.

The address is Building 138-139, Dunsfold Park, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closure on bank holidays. That opening window gives families a useful starting point for planning work and travel.

In December 2024, the nursery received government funding for education for children aged nine months to four years. This is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise of eligibility for an individual child.

• Starting nursery. The December 2024 account describes close relationships between babies and practitioners. How would settling and key-person arrangements work for your child?
• Outdoor learning. Woodland exploration and safety discussions featured in December 2024. This emphasis merits attention from families who value learning about nature alongside indoor play and creative activities.

Little Harriers suits families seeking care across the working week who value nature, conversation and creative exploration. Its December 2024 examples give substance to that appeal: woodland listening, story-based play and art each supplied a different route into learning. The dated inspection judgement adds weight, while the opening hours provide the practical anchor for family routines.