Children at Little Beeches Nursery in Crewkerne start their days filled with excitement and eagerness—a spirit clearly recognized by Ofsted inspectors. The nursery’s latest inspection report, published on January 29, 2025, awarded the early years setting a Good rating in all key areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Located on the site of Maiden Beech Primary Academy in Crewkerne, Somerset, Little Beeches Nursery serves children aged one to four. The nursery currently supports 44 children with room to expand up to 97. Since registering in September 2022, it has offered full-day care Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm, year-round except for bank holidays and the Christmas break.
The report commends the nursery’s warm and inviting atmosphere and highlights staff commitment: “Children happily enter the nursery, eager and excited. Friendly, enthusiastic staff greet them and provide consistent support, ensuring children remain engaged throughout the day.”
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Inspector Vicky Burns emphasized the nurturing environment fostered by the staff, noting that children “develop a true sense of belonging” through positive, caring interactions. This supportive approach contributes to excellent behaviour standards. “Staff use a calm and consistent method to manage behaviour, offering praise and encouragement that boost children’s confidence and self-esteem,” the report states.
The curriculum is described as ambitious and thoughtfully organised, with staff carefully sequencing skill development across the seven areas of learning. Activities reflect children’s interests and developmental stages—older children practice mathematical concepts through sorting colourful counters, while babies engage in problem-solving by inserting shapes into sorters.
Communication and language development feature prominently in the nursery’s approach. Young children delight in song and rhyme sessions, enthusiastically using props and mimicking actions, while older children show keen interest in stories.
Children’s growing independence is encouraged daily; they understand the importance of washing hands before eating, pour their own drinks, and select snacks independently, skills which prepare them well for school life.
Parents are valued partners in their children’s learning journey. The nursery fosters highly effective home-nursery collaborations, with parents expressing satisfaction with the care and progress their children achieve. Staff tailor routines to align with home practices, including sleeping and toileting habits, and regularly share learning goals and gather information about children’s experiences outside nursery.
Emotional wellbeing receives special attention, especially for the youngest children who form strong bonds with familiar staff members. Babies are seen smiling and relaxed as they snuggle with their key carers, strengthening these valuable connections.
Leadership and staff work closely to ensure continuous improvement and professional growth. Experienced team members mentor new staff, while leaders monitor practices and provide regular constructive feedback.
Physical development is well supported, with babies exploring play dough tools to build hand strength and older children developing balance by navigating wooden beams. Activities like drawing and colouring also help prepare children for early writing skills.
One area for growth relates to group activity sessions. “While generally well-planned, staff could improve support during larger group activities to help children maintain focus and reduce distractions,” the report recommends.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a culture that prioritizes children’s welfare and interests.
Operated by BTCT Trading Limited, Little Beeches Nursery employs 16 staff members, 11 of whom hold Level 3 childcare qualifications, with one Level 6 and one Level 2. The nursery offers funded education for two-, three-, and four-year-olds, supporting high-quality early learning in the community.