Business Details
Outstanding Child Care & Early Education in Beaminster
Wrens Nursery, nestled within the historic Hooke Court estate in West Dorset, provides exceptional childcare for children aged 2 to 4 years. Our purpose-built facility in Larch House combines modern amenities with 40 acres of natural grounds, offering a unique environment where children thrive through outdoor exploration and structured learning. Rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2019, our team of highly qualified professionals, including Early Years Specialists and Forest School Leaders, delivers a curriculum that prioritizes holistic development.We emphasize daily outdoor activities, from Forest School sessions to animal care, fostering physical, social, and emotional growth. Our family-focused approach builds strong relationships with parents, ensuring personalized care that prepares children for future academic and personal success. With dedicated SEND support and a commitment to continuous staff development, we create a nurturing space where every child gains confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Services
Nursery Education
Forest School
Outdoor Activities
Child Care
Early Years Development
Lunch Provision
Uniform Provision
Highlights and features
- We hold an Ofsted 'Outstanding' rating for exceptional childcare and education
- Our staff include Early Years Professionals and qualified Forest School Leaders
- We utilize 40 acres of natural grounds for daily outdoor learning experiences
- We provide personalized care with strong home-nursery communication channels
- Our curriculum prepares children for school through holistic development approaches
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted rating
Excellent outdoor learning
Nurturing environment
Highly qualified staff
Strong home-nursery links
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery education program delivers structured learning for children aged 2-4 through innovative play-based activities. Qualified Early Years Specialists create individualized plans that develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills while preparing children for school transitions. The curriculum integrates outdoor exploration with indoor activities to support holistic development.
Forest School
Forest School sessions provide regular outdoor experiences in Hooke Court's grounds, teaching children about nature, risk management, and teamwork. Through guided activities in all weather conditions, children develop physical coordination, environmental awareness, and self-confidence while learning to cooperate with peers in natural settings.
Child Care
Our childcare service offers a warm, family-focused environment with dedicated staff maintaining consistent routines for emotional security. The program includes personalized attention to individual needs, potty training support, and flexible session options while maintaining strong communication with parents about daily activities and development milestones.
Outdoor Activities
Daily outdoor activities utilize our 40-acre estate for physical development and environmental education. Children engage in structured play, animal care, seasonal exploration, and physical exercises that promote motor skills, teamwork, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experiences in our unique natural setting.
Early Years Development
Our early years development program focuses on building confidence, independence, and social skills through tailored interactions. Staff work closely with children to develop emotional regulation, communication abilities, and problem-solving skills while maintaining strong partnerships with parents to ensure consistent support across home and nursery environments.
People
Amy Evans
Nursery Manager
Qualified teacher with Early Years Professional Status and Forest School leadership certification. Holds SENDCo and safeguarding qualifications. Has worked at Wrens Nursery since 2003, overseeing daily operations and curriculum implementation while maintaining strong staff development programs.
Claire Pitcher
Deputy Manager
CACHE Level 3 qualified with extensive childcare experience. Joined the team in 2012 after working as a nanny. Specializes in early years education and holds paediatric first aid certification. Plays key role in staff training and child welfare procedures.
Justine Gawen
Early Years Practitioner
Qualified teacher with Early Years Professional Status. Former preschool leader with specialist training in paediatric first aid. Joined Wrens Nursery in 2023, bringing expertise in outdoor learning and child development through play-based activities.
Josie Herbert
Nursery Practitioner
Level 3 qualified practitioner with paediatric first aid training. Has worked at Wren's since 2016, focusing on creating engaging learning environments. Specializes in supporting children's emotional development and maintaining strong home-nursery communication.
Jess Hardie
Nursery Assistant
Level 2 qualified practitioner with paediatric first aid certification. Joined the team in 2022, supporting daily activities and child engagement. Focuses on creating safe, stimulating environments that encourage children's independence and social interactions.
Questions
What age group do you cater for?
We care for children aged 2 to 4 years, providing age-appropriate activities that support their developmental needs and prepare them for school transitions.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines structured learning with outdoor exploration, focusing on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through play-based activities and personalized care.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is an outdoor learning approach where children engage in regular sessions within our natural grounds, developing physical skills, environmental awareness, and teamwork through hands-on experiences.
How are parents involved?
We maintain strong home-nursery partnerships through regular communication, parent meetings, and sharing of development progress to ensure consistent support for each child's needs.
What are your session times?
Morning sessions run 8:45-12:00 (or 1pm with lunch), afternoon sessions 12:15-3:30 (or 12pm with lunch), and full-day sessions from 8:45-3:30.
Do you accommodate children with additional needs?
Yes, our staff includes SEND specialists and we implement individualized support plans. We assess each child's requirements to provide appropriate accommodations and specialist care.
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