Business Details
Your Trusted Nursery & Pre-school in South Brent
At Little Orchard Nursery & Pre School, we are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where children thrive through play-based learning. Our team of qualified professionals, including Early Years Teachers and paediatric first aiders, prioritises individual development, resilience, and respect for others. With a heritage rooted in the former Moorlands Childhood Centre, we combine proven expertise with a fresh focus on natural, stimulating experiences.Our Ofsted-registered setting adheres to rigorous safeguarding standards, ensuring children's safety, happiness, and educational growth. We actively collaborate with parents to support early development, offering tailored care that prepares children for future academic and social success.
Services
Nursery Services
Preschool Education
Holiday Club
After-School Care
Outdoor Learning Activities
Highlights and features
- We hold an Ofsted 'Good' rating across all areas
- Our staff include Early Years Teachers and paediatric first aiders
- We provide home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients
- Our curriculum integrates outdoor learning and natural exploration
- We maintain a 15-year legacy of early years education expertise
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Nursery Services
Our nursery provides full-day care for children aged 0-5, with a focus on sensory play and foundational learning. Qualified staff deliver individualised attention in a secure environment, incorporating structured activities and free play to support developmental milestones.
Preschool Education
Our preschool programme prepares children for formal schooling through play-based curricula aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines. We develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills while fostering curiosity through themed projects and outdoor exploration.
Holiday Club
Seasonal holiday clubs offer engaging activities during school breaks, including themed crafts, gardening, and local excursions. Children participate in cooking projects, team games, and creative workshops designed to maintain learning continuity throughout holidays.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor sessions utilise our Dartmoor-adjacent setting for environmental education. Children develop physical skills through climbing frames, practice risk assessment with construction activities, and learn about ecosystems through hands-on gardening experiences.
Parent Partnerships
We maintain regular communication with families through progress reports and informal updates. Parents receive guidance on developmental milestones and home learning activities, with opportunities to participate in themed events and curriculum planning.
People
Caroline Trembath
Co-Owner
BA(QTS) hons qualified teacher with 15 years' experience teaching ages 4-7. Former head of Pre Prep department in Surrey, now specialising in early years education since 2010 childminding qualification.
Alaine Willis
Co-Owner
Former paediatric physiotherapist at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Qualified childminder since 2011, bringing specialist knowledge of child development and therapeutic approaches to early years care.
Questions
What is Little Orchard's Ofsted rating?
We were awarded 'Good' across all areas in our latest Ofsted inspection. The full report is available on the Ofsted website.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene Level 2, and Safeguarding Children Level 3 certifications. We employ NVQ Level 3 practitioners and Early Years Teachers.
Do you provide meals for children?
Yes, our in-house chef prepares fresh, balanced meals daily using locally sourced produce. Children eat at tables with proper crockery and cutlery.
What outdoor facilities do you offer?
Our Dartmoor-adjacent setting includes natural play areas with climbing structures, gardening plots, and regular local park visits for active learning experiences.
How do you support children's transitions to school?
We focus on developing independence, social skills, and foundational academic abilities through play-based learning tailored to each child's readiness.
