Tops Day Nurseries - Parkstone
Good★ 4.7 on GoogleBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in Dorset for children from birth to 8+, open 06:00 to 20:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in July 2022. Open since 1998, with 56 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
BH12 4HUWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 22 July 2022 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children feel happy and secure at this nursery. Staff know the children well and are close by to offer help or praise. Children are absorbed in their learning as staff plan activities based on their ability and interests. Sensory play is set up in the babies room using flour and play animals, and babies enjoy seeing what happens to their floury hands when staff offer them a 'high five'. Older children use mirrors as they begin to learn what makes them unique as they paint a self-portrait. Children learn how to care for the planet as most resources are made of natural materials. Their artwork using recycled materials is displayed on the walls and children point to their 'masterpieces' with pride.
Staff encourage independence as early as the baby room, where they gently role model face wiping to babies. From toddler to pre-school rooms, children learn to clear their own plates and wash up. Staff reward good behaviour when children adhere to the nursery rules, such as using 'kind hands'. Therefore, children are becoming resilient learners who know right from wrong and are prepared for their next stage in education.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- take advantage of opportunities throughout the daily routine to engage children in meaningful discussions to further extend their communication skills n communicate more regularly with parents who need more support with their children's development.
- 22 July 2022Good
- 13 September 2016Outstanding
- 20 May 2013Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Tops Day Nurseries - Parkstone
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.