Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Quality Childcare Solutions
Little Beans was founded in 2014 by Sebrina Drew and Tamsin Ledger, combining decades of childcare expertise with a shared vision for high-quality early years education. Our nurseries in Poole and Weymouth provide stimulating, natural environments aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, prioritizing safety, consistency, and individualized care. With dedicated teams holding Level 2-5 qualifications, we focus on building strong relationships between children, families, and practitioners to support holistic development.Our OFSTED-registered settings feature purpose-built facilities with free-flow play, specialist activities like cooking and yoga, and nutritious meals prepared daily by in-house chefs. We maintain rigorous safeguarding protocols, ongoing staff training, and transparent communication through daily updates and the Tapestry app to ensure parental involvement in their child's journey.
Services
Childcare
Early Learning
Meal Programs
Extracurricular Activities
Holiday Clubs
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Experienced team with Level 2-5 Early Years qualifications
- OFSTED-registered settings with rigorous safeguarding protocols
- Daily communication through Tapestry app and face-to-face updates
- Purpose-built nurseries with free-flow indoor/outdoor play spaces
- Nutritious meals prepared by in-house chefs with 5* hygiene ratings
What people say
Amazing staff
Thorough observations
Loved by children
Nutritious meals
Exemplary pandemic response
Services
Childcare
Our OFSTED-registered nurseries provide full-time and part-time childcare for children aged 9 months to 5 years. Following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, we create stimulating environments with free-flow play spaces that encourage exploration and social development. Qualified practitioners implement individualized care plans while maintaining a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio to ensure personalized attention and safety.
Early Learning
Structured learning programs align with the EYFS curriculum across seven developmental areas. Our qualified teachers deliver age-appropriate activities that foster communication, physical development, and cognitive skills through play-based learning. Continuous assessments track progress toward early learning goals while maintaining flexibility to accommodate individual learning paces and interests in our mixed-age group settings.
Meal Programs
Daily meal plans feature freshly prepared dishes by in-house chefs holding Level 3 Food Hygiene certifications. Menus provide balanced nutrition with vegetarian options and allergy adaptations, following a four-week rolling schedule. Children participate in cooking lessons and communal mealtimes to develop social skills, while detailed allergen information remains available for parental review and dietary requirements management.
Extracurricular Activities
Weekly enrichment activities include cooking classes, yoga sessions, and music/dance programs delivered by specialist instructors. These activities complement core learning objectives while introducing new experiences that stimulate creativity and physical development. Parents receive regular updates about monthly themes and special events through newsletters and the Tapestry communication platform.
Holiday Clubs
Flexible holiday provision operates during school breaks with extended hours from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Themed activities and outdoor play maintain educational continuity while accommodating mixed-age group interactions. The service includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks following the same nutritional standards as regular term-time programs, with availability for children aged 2-12 years.
People
Sebrina Drew
Director
With 20+ years in childcare and five children of her own, Sebrina brings both professional expertise and personal insight. She oversees nursery operations, staff development, and quality assurance across both locations while maintaining OFSTED compliance and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Tamsin Ledger
Director
Former property solicitor applying legal and management expertise to business operations. Focuses on strategic development, policy implementation, and maintaining regulatory compliance while ensuring strong parent partnerships and financial sustainability across the organization.
Roshni
Garland Manager
Over 10 years' experience in childcare with Level 3 qualifications. Manages daily operations at Garland Road, leads safeguarding protocols, and mentors staff to maintain high care standards. Coordinates parent meetings and ensures curriculum implementation aligns with EYFS requirements.
Lynne
Weymouth Manager
BA Hons in Early Years Education with 20+ years' experience. Oversees Weymouth nursery operations, implements staff training programs, and maintains OFSTED standards. Focuses on creating nurturing environments that balance structured learning with free-flow play opportunities.
Heather
Nursery Chef
Level 3 qualified chef with 20 years' catering experience. Prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily following 5* hygiene standards. Develops seasonal menus accommodating dietary requirements while educating children about healthy eating through cooking demonstrations.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We care for children from 9 months up to 5 years old across our Poole and Weymouth nurseries.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we accept 15 and 30-hour funding allocations for eligible children aged 2, 3, and 4 years old.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use the Tapestry app for daily updates and maintain face-to-face communication during drop-off/pickup times.
What food options are available?
Our in-house chefs prepare fresh meals daily with vegetarian options and allergy adaptations available as required.
Are you OFSTED registered?
Yes, both locations hold current OFSTED registration (EY492436 and 2729099) with regular inspections ensuring quality standards.
Do you provide holiday care?
We operate holiday clubs during school breaks with extended hours from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Reviews (6)
Marie Pandolfo
Oct 24, 2019
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Little beans Fernside feels homely, is not overcrowded with numbers and the staff is so friendly and caring. The garden is big and very tidy. Our little girl loves it there !
Danni Keep
Sep 13, 2018
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My son has just started 2 days a week this term at Little Beans Fernside and he absolutely loves it! He has so much fun and (he may not realise it but) also learns so much. The staff and setting is just great and everything has been thought of. I have a feeling both of us will be sad when the time comes for him to leave at the end of the year for school!
Anna Ratajczak
Jun 22, 2018
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I took part in Little Beans sports day. I must admit it was lovely experience for myself ,my little Gosia and for sure all parents. All had been very well organised,not too long so nobody got bored, my Gosia loved to hear what is the next chellange and was very keen to take part in. She was very excited and was talking about it for next couple of days. Little Beans team excellent as always, working hard to ensure we all have fun and stay safe in the same time. Thank you.
Leighanne Tiller
Jul 17, 2017
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My little girl has been going to little beans since she turned 3, she's going to school in September and we will be very sad to say goodbye. We love everything about little beans especially the staff who very obviously really care for each and every child as individuals I never thought I'd be happy leaving Gracie anywhere but she loves going so much and I would 100% recommend to anyone!
Angela Roberts Pettitt
Mar 11, 2015
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Sienna is very contented at little beans. Always looking forward to seeing her friends and the lovely staff. And never wants to come home when its time.
Carmen Louise Bacon
Mar 09, 2015
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Lilly absolutely loves little beans, she's so settled and always looks forward to going. Such an amazing team who have helped Lilly grow in so many ways. They really do an amazing job, myself and Lilly couldn't be happier
