Dodford Farm Daycare Nursery

A working farm gives Dodford Farm Daycare Nursery its character: in November 2024, children explored the farm on walks, learnt about animal care and brought those experiences into pretend play as farmers and vets. Outdoor experiences had a clear connection to learning.

At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and reported that children made good progress from their starting points. The nursery is in Christian Malford and accepts children from birth to 60 months.

In November 2024, daily outdoor play sat alongside practical indoor activities. Babies squeezed and shaped play dough, exercising the hands they would later use for writing. Older children counted with their fingers and compared objects using language about size and length. These were concrete ways to connect movement, conversation and early mathematics.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the November 2024 curriculum linked stages of learning across rooms: early independence developed into toddlers practising with outdoor clothes, while preschool children explored problems for themselves. School preparation included learning to tackle a task independently.

Stories and songs also featured throughout the November 2024 day. Staff sang spontaneously during babies' play, giving younger children opportunities to hear language through familiar, enjoyable exchanges.

In November 2024, settling followed each family's needs, and staff gathered information about children's routines before they started. Younger children turned to familiar adults for comfort. Parents received updates about learning, next steps and activities to try at home, while home and nursery worked together on weaning and toilet training.

Assessments in November 2024 helped identify gaps in learning, with referrals to professionals when needed. Staff also worked with inclusion officers on advice for families about behaviour at home. Children practised recognising feelings and understanding how their actions affected others.

Staff training had practical consequences: in November 2024, safer-sleep training had prompted changes to the cot room and sleep practices. A cook was employed at that time.

The address is Dodford House Farm, Dodford Lane, Christian Malford, Chippenham, SN15 4DE. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round opening and closures at Christmas and Easter.

Government-funded places formed part of the offer in November 2024. Funding arrangements should be considered alongside the family's intended attendance pattern.

• Teaching consistency. In November 2024, Ofsted identified uneven support for language development and occasions when staff did not extend learning sufficiently, asking for stronger interactions and more consistently effective teaching. Ask how staff now build on children's answers and introduce the next challenge.
• Farm experiences. Walks and animal-care learning featured in November 2024. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how those experiences fit the day for your child's age.
• Attendance and funding. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, and funded places were offered in November 2024. Ask for a written quotation covering your intended pattern, funded hours, meals and consumables.

Dodford Farm Daycare Nursery suits families drawn to a farm setting and practical early learning. Its November 2024 picture combined outdoor exploration, growing independence and close communication with home. The important qualification is teaching consistency: the farm setting provides material for learning, but the adult interaction matters just as much.