Business Details
25 Years
experience
Outstanding Day Nursery & Pre-School in Bournemouth
Established in 2001, our nursery and pre-school settings provide professionally guided early years education rooted in Christian values. Led by qualified teacher Emma Henwood, our team delivers individualised learning in secure, homely environments rated Outstanding by OFSTED. We combine 25+ years of educational expertise with a commitment to whole-child development, offering flexible care options in Bournemouth.Our small class sizes ensure personal attention while our curriculum fosters independence, cultural awareness, and foundational learning skills through play-based activities. With two locations accommodating 61 children annually, we maintain strong partnerships with families and adhere to rigorous safeguarding standards.
Services
Day Nursery Care
Pre-School Education
OFSTED Registered
Christian Ethos
Healthy Meals Provision
Outdoor Play Areas
Flexible Hours
Safeguarding Programme
Parent Partnerships
Curriculum Enrichment
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Led by an Early Years teacher with OFSTED inspection experience since 1995
- Maintain 1:21 staff-to-child ratio across both settings
- OFSTED Outstanding rating confirmed in four consecutive inspections
- Implement home-from-home approach with dedicated key workers
- Integrate Christian values with Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Secure homely environment
Experienced staff
Christian values
Flexible hours
Outdoor learning
Services
Day Nursery Care
Our Bournemouth nursery provides year-round childcare for infants to five-year-olds in a residential-style setting. With 40 places available, children benefit from structured learning through play, dedicated key workers, and purpose-designed spaces including creative rooms and outdoor pirate ship play area. The home-from-home environment supports emotional development while maintaining OFSTED Outstanding standards.
Pre-School Education
The Charminster pre-school offers 38-week educational programmes for two to five-year-olds within a church hall setting. With 21 places available, our curriculum focuses on early literacy, numeracy, and social skills through themed activities. The programme includes outdoor woodland exploration and French language sessions, operating daily from 8am to 2:45pm during school terms while maintaining OFSTED Outstanding ratings.
Outdoor Play Areas
Both settings feature secure outdoor spaces designed for physical development and nature exploration. The Bournemouth nursery garden includes a pirate ship play structure, sand area, and vegetable growing plots. The Charminster location offers woodland storytelling areas and gross motor skill equipment. These spaces support sensory learning and environmental awareness through structured and free play activities.
Safeguarding Programme
Our comprehensive safeguarding policy ensures children's welfare through trained staff, secure environments, and multi-agency collaboration. Designated leads maintain vigilance for abuse indicators while promoting children's rights to safety and respect. The programme includes staff development on softer abuse signs and established procedures for reporting concerns to local authorities when necessary.
Healthy Meals Provision
Freshly prepared meals and snacks follow nutritional guidelines to support children's development. The Bournemouth nursery provides five daily meals including breakfast and evening tea, while the pre-school offers three meals. Menus accommodate dietary requirements and promote healthy eating habits. Water remains freely available throughout the day with milk offered during designated sessions.
People
Emma Henwood
Founder & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Qualified Early Years teacher with OFSTED inspection experience since 1995. Established the nursery in 2001 after teaching in local primary schools. Holds leadership responsibility for safeguarding and curriculum development across both settings.
Natasha Watts
Setting Manager
Supports Emma in managing daily operations at the Bournemouth nursery. Oversees staff development and maintains quality standards in the home-from-home environment. Part of the leadership team ensuring consistent OFSTED Outstanding provision.
Vicki Lynch
Setting Manager
Co-manages the Charminster pre-school location with specific responsibility for curriculum implementation. Works closely with the leadership team to maintain high educational standards and safeguarding practices across both OFSTED-rated settings.
Questions
What are your OFSTED inspection results?
Both settings received Outstanding ratings in 2024 inspections. The Bournemouth nursery maintains this rating since 2009 across four consecutive inspections.
Do you offer flexible childcare hours?
The Bournemouth nursery operates 8am-6pm Monday-Friday year-round. The pre-school runs 8am-2:45pm during school terms only.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines Early Years Foundation Stage with Christian values through play-based learning. Small class sizes enable individualised attention and key worker systems.
What safety measures are in place?
Secure premises with restricted access, 1:21 staff ratios, and comprehensive safeguarding policy. All staff receive regular child protection training and DBS checks.
Are meals included in the fees?
Fully unfunded places include all meals. Funded places receive breakfast, snacks, and lunch with additional charges for full meal provision.
How can parents get involved?
Regular communication through digital journals, parent meetings, and home-visit opportunities. We encourage family participation in themed events and curriculum activities.
