The Little Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery

Inspection of The Little Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery Sturts Community Trust, Sturts Farm, Three Cross Road, West Moors, Ferndown BH22 0NF

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children experience happiness, contentment and high engagement in this joyful setting. The use of music supports effective communication and language development. Children listen intently to the songs staff sing, demonstrating good concentration as they naturally enjoy sharing songs and actions together.

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The provision is good

Children love going on walks to the woods, where they explore their surroundings while following safety instructions. They benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical exercise. Children develop independence, alongside good social skills. They initiate their own ideas with the confidence that comes from the self-belief instilled in them by staff. Children play hide and seek, taking turns successfully, hiding behind trees and laughing with one another as they reveal themselves.

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The provision is good

In the farm setting, children become familiar with animals. During snack time outdoors, they enjoy the company of ponies in the neighbouring field. The setting supports children's play through activities like playing trains with lined-up crates, where children engage in imaginative play while discussing real trains they have ridden.

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The provision is good

The setting's nutritious snacks and well-planned mealtimes further promote healthy eating habits and social interaction among children. Children build confidence to try new foods while they sit together. Children are polite, wait their turn and learn to use cutlery as they enjoy fresh food, often produced on the farm.

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need to do better?

n The provider has developed an ambitious curriculum tailored to meet children's developmental needs. It has a strong understanding of how children learn and what they need to make progress. The provider offers activities designed to focus children on exploring the knowledge and skills they need to improve. For instance, they organise paints, brushes and large sheets of paper hung on a fence. Children show motivation to paint, experimenting with colours and drawing different shapes. These activities engage children, fostering concentration, physical control and enjoyment in their creations. n The setting uses music effectively to support children's development. Children engage with instruments, experiencing a range of different sounds and textures. Staff teach techniques for playing instruments and producing a variety of effects. Children enjoy creating sounds, which helps them refine their physical control.

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need to do better?

Music also helps calm children. When they feel upset, strumming a guitar helps restore their composure. n Staff provide accurate assessments of children. They know children well and adapt their interactions to support individual needs. For instance, staff use

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need to do better?

4 April 2025 picture cards to enhance children's language development, strategically using these to expand children's use of new vocabulary. Children make good progress. However, occasionally, when children mispronounce words or phrases, staff do not model or correct their pronunciation. n Children enjoy books. Indoors, they choose stories to read with staff. They take the time to discuss and share stories attentively with children, discussing the characters from the books they have read. n The provider supports children's positive behaviour and attitudes to learning. Staff gather children into a circle for song time and remind them of safety rules in the woods. Children demonstrate their understanding of keeping safe and how to play well with one another. They know the expectations of them and respond well to the responsibilities that staff give them. n Children delight in incorporating the ideas prompted by staff into their play. In

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need to do better?

the woods, they creatively use sticks as they explore their surroundings. They understand how to safely handle sticks, following clear instructions set by staff. They experiment with their newfound tools. Some children draw in the ground while others tap trees, experimenting further with the different sounds they can produce. n The provider works closely with parents, which supports a smooth transition for children into the nursery. Staff engage in clear, two-way communication with parents, prioritising children's well-being and development. The provider prioritises children's emotional well-being by developing genuine relationships with them, helping them feel safe and secure and to form strong bonds with staff. Children's confidence supports them to try new things. Parents explain that, thanks to the provider, their children are eating new, healthy foods, helping them build good eating habits.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n strengthen the teaching of communication and language, so that children learn the correct pronunciation of words and phrases.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2726043 Local authority Dorset Inspection number 10394146 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 23 Number of children on roll 23 Name of registered person Freer, Kirsteen Margaret

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reference number

Telephone number 07510 541189 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Little Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery registered in 2023. The provider employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 6, one at level 4, seven at level 3, and one member of staff is unqualified. The provider is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector spoke to the children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this is having on the children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and the children. n Parents and grandparents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

4 April 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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