Business Details
25 Years
experience
OFSTED Outstanding Childcare in Bournemouth
Established in 2001 by qualified teacher Emma Henwood, we provide nurturing childcare and early years education for children aged 0-5 in Bournemouth. With two OFSTED Outstanding-rated settings - our home-style day nursery at 46 West Way and the Annunciation Church Hall pre-school - we combine professional expertise with a warm, family-centred approach. Our curriculum focuses on whole-child development through secure environments that foster independence, cultural awareness, and foundational learning skills.The nursery operates year-round with extended hours, while the pre-school follows school term times. Both settings feature purpose-designed outdoor spaces and nutritionist-approved meals. Our small team of 18 experienced practitioners, led by Emma and supported by deputy managers Natasha and Vicki, deliver individualised care grounded in Christian values of respect and inclusivity.
Services
Day Nursery
Pre-School
Outdoor Play
Healthy Meals
Christian Ethos
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Qualified teacher-led provision with 20+ years of early years expertise
- OFSTED Outstanding ratings for both settings since 2009 and 2015
- Secure home-style environments with dedicated outdoor learning spaces
- Nutritionist-approved meals included in fees with fresh produce daily
- Small team of experienced practitioners with individualised care focus
What people say
Outstanding childcare
Nurturing environment
Qualified teachers
Creative activities
Healthy meals
Services
Day Nursery
Our home-style nursery provides year-round childcare for children aged 0-5 in Bournemouth. With four dedicated learning rooms and secure outdoor spaces featuring a pirate ship play area, we offer structured activities aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines. Our qualified team delivers individualised care with a focus on confidence-building and social development through creative play and curriculum-based learning.
Pre-School
The Annunciation Church Hall pre-school serves 2-5 year olds during school terms. Our warm, spacious environment includes two secure gardens and woodland storytelling areas. The curriculum combines structured learning with free exploration across creative, mathematical, and physical development activities. Sessions include breakfast, lunch, and morning snack with nutritionist-approved menus tailored to developing palates.
Outdoor Play
Both settings feature purpose-designed outdoor spaces that promote physical development and nature exploration. The nursery garden includes growing areas for fruits and vegetables, while the pre-school replicates this natural learning environment. Children engage in role-play, construction activities, and gross motor skill development through structured games and free play under practitioner supervision.
Healthy Meals
Fresh, balanced meals are prepared daily using locally sourced ingredients. The nursery provides five meals/snacks daily, while the pre-school offers three. Menus follow nutritional guidelines to support childhood development, with special dietary requirements accommodated. Children participate in food preparation activities to enhance learning about healthy eating habits and cultural food diversity.
Christian Ethos
Our Christian values underpin daily activities through prayer before meals and teachings about Jesus' messages. The approach emphasises dignity, uniqueness, and cultural respect while welcoming children of all backgrounds. Spiritual development occurs through storytelling, seasonal celebrations, and character-building activities that promote kindness, resilience, and community awareness within a multi-faith framework.
People
Emma Henwood
Founder & Setting Manager
Qualified teacher with 25+ years' experience in early years education, former OFSTED inspector, and Catholic practitioner. Established the nursery in 2001 after teaching locally. Holds EYPS qualification and leads staff development.
Natasha Watts
Deputy Manager
Experienced early years practitioner supporting nursery operations. Specialises in child development and curriculum implementation. Works closely with Emma to maintain educational standards across both settings.
Vicki Lynch
Deputy Manager
Qualified nursery specialist managing daily operations. Focuses on safeguarding procedures and staff training. Collaborates with Emma on policy implementation and quality assurance across both OFSTED-rated settings.
Questions
Are both settings rated Outstanding by OFSTED?
Yes, both our Day Nursery (EY537565) and Pre-School (EY537566) received OFSTED Outstanding ratings during 2024 inspections.
What are your operating hours?
The Day Nursery operates 8am-6pm Monday-Friday year-round (except holidays). Pre-School runs 8am-2:45pm during school terms.
Do you provide meals for children?
Yes, we include five meals/snacks daily at the nursery and three at pre-school, all prepared with fresh ingredients by our kitchen team.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines structured learning with free play across creative, physical, and academic areas, tailored to each child's needs.
Is there outdoor play space?
Both settings feature secure gardens with dedicated areas for physical development, imaginative play, and nature exploration activities.
What security measures are in place?
We maintain secure environments with controlled access, trained staff in safeguarding procedures, and regular OFSTED compliance checks.
