Training Example: Orchard Day Nursery – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[IMG: Orchard Day Nursery]

[H1] ORCHARD DAY NURSERY
[H4] We are an independent, family-run nursery - open since 2005Outstanding childcare from 3 months to 5 years

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[H3] FOREST SCHOOL
3- 4 years

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[H3] OFSTED REPORT
From 3 months

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[H3] FEES & FUNDING
2 - 3 years

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[H3] GROWING WITH ORCHARD
1 - 2 years

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[H3] COMING SOON - A Brand New Nursery Building!

New Build News

[H3] Opening 20th April 2026 in our Brand New Nursery Building!

New Build News

[H3] COMING SOON - A Brand New Nursery Building!

New Build News

[H3] 2011

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[H3] 2015

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[H3] 2020

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[H3] Orchard is an OUTSTANDING Nursery

[H3] We have been awarded an
OUTSTANDING
grading

[H3] for the THIRD TIME by Ofsted

[H3] (2011, 2015, 2020)

See Our Ofsted Report

[H2] Welcome to Orchard Day Nursery
Welcome to Orchard Day Nursery, the very best
place outside of your own home for your child to learn and grow.Our nursery is located in a modern, light and air conditioned
building, purpose built to provide the safest
and most stimulating environment
for babies and young children. We pride ourselves on our facilities, the care we provide, and the outstanding progress each and every child makes during their time with us.Ofsted
agrees with us, awarding an 'Outstanding in all areas'
at our last three inspections. It is our commitment; not only to maintain this incredibly high standard, but to continue working to improve even further, to provide the highest quality experiences for all children entrusted to our care.We hope you will see our approach
to childcare and education is very special
at Orchard. If you are considering placing your child in our Outstanding nursery and haven't already visited us, we recommend that you arrange a visit to come and see what we do; we will be delighted to hear from you.
Read More

[H2] Why choose us?

[H4] Ofsted Outstanding
We received an 'Outstanding' rating during our last two Ofsted inspections.

[H4] Stimulating Environment
Children benefit enormously from our high-quality resources and learning spaces.

[H4] Forward Thinking
Children benefit enormously from our commitment to continuous improvement.

[H4] Forest School
Forest School offers children the opportunity to experience nature first hand, through actively engaging in activities.

[H2] Our Rooms
We have five rooms at Orchard: Pips, Blossoms, Red Apples, Green Apples and our popular after school club, Orchard Explorers. Each room is dedicated to the different ages and stages of the children, but with our flexible approach, we do not move up children according to their date of birth, but instead when they are ready for the move into the next group.

[H3] PIPS
3 months +

[H3] BLOSSOMS
1 - 2 years

[H3] RED APPLES
2 - 3 years

[H3] GREEN APPLES
3 - 4 years

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[H3] ORCHARD EXPLORERS
4- 9 years

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[H3] FOREST SCHOOL

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[H2] Did you know?
[H4] We have been awarded our 3rd Ofsted "Outstanding"

Read the report

[H2] Join our outstanding team!
We are always keen to hear from candidates who may hope to join our team Please send your CV and application form to info@orcharddaynursery.com
Application Form

[H2] Contact Us
[H4] Please enter your details below and a member of our team will be in touch shortly
[H3]

Thank you for contacting us.We will get back to you as soon as possible
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[H3] Contact Us
[H6] 01202 820124info@orcharddaynursery.com
[H6] Orchard Day Nursery, Coopers Lane, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7PG

[H3] Parent Logins

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GROWING WITH ORCHARD

[H1] GROWING WITH ORCHARD

We have five rooms at Orchard: Pips, Blossoms, Red Apples, Green Apples and our popular after-school club, Orchard Explorers. Each room is dedicated to the different ages and stages of the children, but with our flexible approach, we do not just move up children according to their date of birth, but consider when they are developmentally ready for the move into the next group. Pips is dedicated to babies from 3 months and is a room full of love and warmth, gorgeous sensory activities and exploratory play experiences, all within a room that offers flexible and individual care around your baby’s routines.Blossoms gives toddlers between the approximate age of eighteen months to thirty months a fun and exciting environment in which to learn and to explore. Plenty of outdoor play ensures that all children have a wide and exciting range of activities.Red Apples is for children between two and three years old, providing that extra stimulation for the inquisitive mind, whilst ensuring that boundaries are understood in both play and friendships. Children continue to develop their love of learning, whist enjoying activities that support their emerging numeracy and literacy skills.Green Apples is where children learn and further develop important skills in the year before school. Children continue to learn through play and carefully planned and adult led activities, whilst continuing the important job of getting 'school ready'. We manage all transitions very carefully, especially when children are advancing to the next room. We take great care to ensure that each child is given time to adapt to their new environment; firstly consulting with parents and deciding together whether a child has reached the necessary level of development, then introducing them to the next room and their new key person. Children are then supported with a number of settling in sessions until they are happy and ready to move up.

[H2] Pips
[H3] Babies from 3 months
“Pips" is the name of our baby room, and it is where the adventure begins! Pips is a loving, warm and stimulating environment inside with a safe, secure and sheltered baby garden just outside.A fine balance of play and quiet times are key to a day in Pips, with a dedicated staff team who understand babies and their development and can support these important early days. This special environment gives babies the very best start on the road to learning and development. From an unsteady crawl to the first tentative steps, our fully qualified team are there to hold a hand and celebrate first achievements.
Find out more about Pips

[H2] Blossoms
[H3] 1½ to 2½ years
Tentative steps quickly turn into enthusiastic leaps, and our Blossoms room gives our toddlers the space to grow and develop in complete safety."Blossoms" is designed to stimulate and encourage these inquisitive minds, encourage friendships, provide challenges and establish boundaries. Our toddlers play in a language rich environment with a staff team who are dedicated to this precious stage of development and learning. Lots of outdoor play in the playground and the school field encourage a love of the environment and a chance to run, jump and climb. Indoors, children experiment with messy play, role play and countless other age appropriate activities, all to keep these little minds busy and to encourage a love of learning.
Find out more about Blossoms

[H2] Red Apples
[H3] 2½ to 3½ years
For children nearing 2 ½, we enter the busy world of Red Apples. Days crammed with fun give the perfect channel for seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm for learning. Red Apples are given the space to experiment and create, investigate and learn. There are endless opportunities for developing imagination through stories and song time, circle time, messy play, role play and outdoor adventures. Children forge strong friendships as they collaborate and share ideas and experiences.
Find out more about Red Apples

[H2] Green Apples
[H3] 3 to 4 years
Green Apples are our oldest group of children who will all leave for school at the end of the year. They have an independent classroom and free flow playground designed and resourced just for them. Our Green Apples teachers and practitioners are dedicated towards the meticulous preparation of children for their next adventure at first school, whilst ensuring all have an enormous amount of fun! Developing numeracy and literacy skills are an important part of each day, as is the frequent ventures into the countryside with our Forest School leaders giving Green Apples children a meaningful appreciation of our environment, whilst allowing them to interact with nature.
Find out more about Green Apples

[H2] Orchard Explorers
[H3] After school club for 4 to 9 years
Our After School Club 'Orchard Explorers', offers fully supervised non-stop fun for children aged 4 to 9 years, giving them lots of freedom to play and relax after a demanding day at school. Inside, we have a great range of activities and games for the children to enjoy; whilst outside we make the most of the extensive school grounds and play equipment.There are two sessions available at Explorers - The full session is from 3pm to 6pm, and the short session is 3pm to 5pm. Both sessions include tea.We are positioned within the boundaries of Trinity First School, but are always delighted to welcome children from other local schools to Orchard Explorers.

[H1] Healthy Eating
[H5] At Orchard, we feel it is highly important that children are provided with a healthy balanced diet. Therefore we have developed our menu using guidance and recipes from leading nutritionists.

View Our Menus

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[H3] Contact Us
[H6] 01202 820124info@orcharddaynursery.com
[H6] Orchard Day Nursery, Coopers Lane, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7PG

[H3] Parent Logins

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FOREST SCHOOL

[H1] FOREST SCHOOL

Forest School offers children the opportunity to experience nature first hand, through actively engaging in activities such as pond dipping, den building, cooking over a camp fire, making trails and hunting for mini-beasts! It is more than just getting the children out in to the fresh air; the Forest School initiative is infused with a social, emotional and environmental ethos that is consistent with Orchard's 'outdoor' approach to play based learning.We have three Forest School trained staff who take small groups of our 'Foresters' into St Stephen's Castle and the surrounding area for a variety of wonderful learning experiences, please get in touch if you would like more information about our Forest School programme.
Book a Place

[H2] Forest School Explained
Orchard Day Nursery is very proud to offer Forest School sessions to children aged three years and upward as part of their regular nursery/pre-school days.Forest School sessions can take part out in the local woodlands, or on site at the Nursery. We have Forest School trained and qualified staff who lead the sessions. In addition to our other fantastic nursery-based activities, as described in ‘Growing with Orchard’.

[H2] Confidence & Independence
It is an opportunity for children to experience nature and the outdoor environment, in a safe, secure and hands-on way. Building high self-esteem, confidence and independence are all fostered through our Forest School programme. Whilst Forest School activities are not prescribed, careful planning and consideration is given to the sessions, and this is a shared process between the staff and children. Through the collaborative learning between children and leaders, we endeavour to enhance and enrich the EYFS curriculum through Forest School.As defined in the EYFS ‘Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults’(EYFS, 2014: 9) therefore highlighting the importance of the role of the adult during children’s play. Staff understand the value of seeking to engage children in the teaching/learning process, and therefore our approach is structured, but not over-directed. The site has been risk assessed and the children will take part in the risk assessment process during the sessions, helping them to identify and manage potential hazards such as poisonous plants, animals on site, low lying branches, stinging nettles etc.

[H2] History & Philosophy
Forest School was initiated in Scandinavia, where outdoor education is recognised as a fantastic way of inspiring and encouraging children through positive, fun, outdoor experiences.This is all part of the learning process giving them an awareness of the natural world and an understanding of self-care in respect of managing their own safety and hygiene in the outdoors.The philosophy of Forest School embraces children’s natural curiosity, inspired imagination and promotes learning in a holistic way.

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[H3] Contact Us
[H6] 01202 820124info@orcharddaynursery.com
[H6] Orchard Day Nursery, Coopers Lane, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7PG

[H3] Parent Logins

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OFSTED INSPECTION

[H1] OFSTED INSPECTION

We are justifiably proud of everything we do at Orchard and always strive for continuous improvement and further development. We also value official recognition for our achievements. This has come in the form of  'Outstanding' outcomes during our last three Ofsted inspections.You can download the most recent report by simply clicking the link below.

[H4] Ofsted Outstanding Report

Download

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[H3] Contact Us
[H6] 01202 820124info@orcharddaynursery.com
[H6] Orchard Day Nursery, Coopers Lane, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7PG

[H3] Parent Logins

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ABOUT

[H1] ABOUT US

It isn't just our great facilities and location that make Orchard a wonderful place for your child to spend time. It is the team of professional, committed and caring people who ultimately make the difference.From the beaming smiles of the children, to the award of an 'Outstanding' rating in our three most recent Ofsted inspections; every success at Orchard is down to the hard work and commitment of our happy team.

[H2] Our Philosophy
We strongly believe children are born with an amazing potential and a wide range of abilities, and believe that it is our role to inspire children and to engage them in a love of learning that becomes an integral part of their ongoing lives. Our role is to work hand-in-hand with parents and carers to provide the building blocks to help your child reach his or her full potential.

[H2] At Orchard We Aim to Create
A warm, welcoming home-like environment that promotes secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships.A vibrant and flexible environment that is rich in choices and provides dynamic opportunities for learning as individuals and as part of a group.Opportunities to undertake collaborative group work and projects inspired by children’s interests and/or family interest, community or educator initiation.Opportunities for children to develop independence through everyday routines.An environment that is safe and promotes exploration, discovery, challenge and understanding of our natural and physical worlds.An environment that builds high self-esteem and self-worth.An environment and curriculum that promotes holistic development and high expectations for children across all developmental areas through intentional teaching and spontaneous learning.

Opportunities for children to express their knowledge and understanding through each of their many interests e.g. art, music, story, drama, construction etc.Respect for diversity by acknowledging the cultural backgrounds, languages, values and contributions of all families in the nursery and the surrounding community.Opportunities for children, families and educators to develop cultural competence by promoting positive attitudes, learning and developing communication skills and interactions across diverse cultural groups.Opportunities for children, families and educators to share their ideas, knowledge, skills, culture, language and experiences with the nursery through regular communication, involvement in the setting and curriculum development.Partnerships with families in all aspects of their child’s development including working with families to develop and evaluate goals for their child.Ongoing records of children’s development and assessment through learning journals, project documentation, samples of children’s work and reflections on children’s goals.An environment that promotes positive behaviours and relationships between children and others.

[H2] Orchard's Pedagogical Approach Explained

Values children's contributions equally with those of Educators.
Our potential stretches as far as our imaginations – but only if we are given the confidence to take it there. Our approach values children’s contributions equally with those of educators. Children and staff are both seen as researchers exploring the world and relationships together to create a fun-filled and dynamic learning experience for both them and us! Our approach pays close attention to the relationships that children share with their environment, family, peers and teachers. It is to co-construct the curriculum with the children and their families to stimulate a free and open-sourced style of learning.

Develops skills in problem solving, critical reflection & collaboration.
Our approach encourages both children and teachers to brainstorm and discuss topics of interest. Children are encouraged to develop skills in problem solving, hypothesising, critical reflection and collaboration. They will be asked to document their ideas, knowledge and understanding in a variety of ways. The pedagogical approach at Orchard ensures your child will make excellent progress and each child will develop a deep love of learning through investigation, research and respectful relationships with both their peers and their educators.

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[H3] Contact Us
[H6] 01202 820124info@orcharddaynursery.com
[H6] Orchard Day Nursery, Coopers Lane, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7PG

[H3] Parent Logins

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FEES & FUNDING

[H1] FEES & FUNDING

With exception of formula milk, all fees are inclusive of all drinks, snacks and meals.We offer a range of sessions, 15 hours early education funding and 30 hours early education funding (if eligible) please see details below.Fee reviews take place on 1st April each year.

[H3] Nursery sessions - (all year)

[H3] From 1st April 2026

Full Day Care
8.00am - 6.00pm

£86.00

Full Time Place
8.00am - 6.00pm (Monday to Friday)

£79.00

Morning Session
8.00am - 1.00pm

£56.00

Afternoon Session
1.00pm - 6.00pm

£52.00

Early Start
7.30am - 8.00am

£5.00

Ad hoc hour*
(or part hour) *only subject to availability

£10.00

[H3] After School Club

[H3] From 1st April 2026 (Term Time)

After School Session
3.00pm - 6.00pm

£25.00

Short After School Session
3.00pm - 5.00pm

£20.00

[H3] Food and non-consumables

[H3] For funded nursery sessions -From 1st April 2026

All Day non-consumables
8.00am - 6.00pm

£12.00

Morning non-consumables
8.00am - 1.00pm

£9.50

Afternoon non-consumables
1.00pm - 6.00pm

£9.50

Breakfast (Cereal, toast, fruit)

£3.00

Lunch (two courses)

£6.00

Tea (two courses)

£5.00

Snacks

£2.00

Additional charges - A Guidelines for Families

(V.A.T is not applicable)We offer 10% sibling discount for children attending the same sessions. We offer two weeks holiday discount (50% deduction of fees, pro rata) for children (terms and conditions apply)

[H2] 3 & 4 Year Early Education Funding (EEF)
All children are entitled to EEF on the term after their third birthday. There are three cut off dates as detailed below:  Birthday between 1st January and 31st March – funding starts on 1st April.Birthday between 1st April and 31st August – funding starts on 1st September.Birthday between 1st September and 31st December – funding starts on 1st January.
Early Education Funding can be claimed for any regular booked session at Orchard Day Nursery, whether term time or all year round.The universal allowance of EEF is 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year (a total of 570 hours per year).  Every child is entitled to 15 hours of free education on the term after they turn three.Thirty Hours EEF (1140 hours per year):You can usually get
30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are: in work - or getting parental leave, sick leave or annual leave. each earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for
16 hours a week - this is £125.28 if you're over 25.You’re not eligible if:  your child does not usually live with youeither you or your partner has a
taxable income over £100,000
Service ChargesThere is a food and consumables charge applicable for children attending sessions that are government funded. EEF does not cover the cost of meals, consumables and additional services offered by Orchard Day Nursery such as music lessons and Forest School, and as result, the charge for such services are invoiced to the child’s account. Please ask for more details.Any sessions over and above the funded hours are chargeable at the current nursery fees as detailed above.Eligibility and receipt of 15 or 30 hour funding does not guarantee a place at Orchard Day Nursery, as all sessions are subject to availability and our admissions policy.If you would like further clarification about EEF, please do not hesitate to
get in touch .

[H2] Babies and 2 year Funding
From September 2024, we offer funded childcare for children aged 9 months and over!
We offer free early education and childcare for your child from the term after they turn 9 months old, (if you meet the qualifying criteria).Attending quality childcare will help your child with their early learning and development. They will have new experiences with other children the same age, and will be offered a wide range of activities and learning opportunities.The new baby funding entitlement starts the term after your child turns 9 months. They can attend sessions up to a maximum of 570 hours per year, until the term after their second birthday.The two year free entitlement starts the term after your child’s second birthday. They can attend sessions up to a maximum of 570 hours per year, until the term after their third birthday.Service ChargesThere is a service charge applicable for children attending sessions that are government funded. Please see the Service Charge details above.Any sessions over and above the funded hours are chargeable at the current nursery fees as detailed above.Eligibility and receipt of funding does not guarantee a place at Orchard Day Nursery, as all sessions are subject to availability and our admissions policy.For more information about funded places please visit the link below.For availability, please give us a ring on 01202 820124.
Funding link

[H2] Early Years Pupil Premium
The early years pupil premium (EYPP) is additional funding for early years settings to support the education they provide for eligible children. At Orchard we may use this funding to purchase and provide additional resources and equipment that can be used here at nursery or at home, or could use the funding to offer a staff member specialist training to further support your child’s needs.EligibilityChildren in receipt of funded early education will attract EYPP funding if they meet at least one of the following criteria or their family receives one of the following:   Income SupportIncome-based Jobseeker’s AllowanceIncome-related Employment and Support AllowanceSupport under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999The guaranteed element of State Pension CreditChild Tax Credit (provided they’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)Working Tax Credit run-on, which is paid for 4 weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax CreditUniversal CreditThey are currently being looked after by a local authority in England or WalesThey have left care in England or Wales through:An adoptionA special guardianship orderA child arrangement order
Children must receive free early education funding in order to attract EYPP funding. They do not have to take up the full 570 hours of funding they are entitled to in order to get EYPP. Children become eligible for free early education funding at different points in the year depending on their age. Please contact us for more information.

[H2] Tax Free Childcare
Who can apply?If you and your partner (if you have one) work full or part-time hours, you could get Tax-Free Childcare. You can claim for children up to 12 years old, or up to 17 if they have a disability. If you don't work, but you get either one of these, you could still be eligible:employment and support allowance (ESA): this used to be called Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA)Carer's AllowanceTax-Free Childcare is replacing Childcare Vouchers
which is no longer available for new applicants. You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 30 hours free childcare if you're eligible for both.Check your eligibility on the GOV.UK Tax-Free Childcare page. What you will getWhen you apply for Tax-Free Childcare, you'll set up an online childcare account. For every £8 you pay into the account, the government will add £2, or £4 for children with a disability. The government will pay up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 per year for children with a disability. You will use this account to pay Orchard Day Nursery for your monthly invoices. How and when to applyYou can apply for Tax-Free Childcare any time you think you could be eligible.You can also apply if you're not eligible because you're not working but are due to start work within the next 31 days.Reconfirm your eligibilityYou must reconfirm your eligibility
every 3 months if you're claiming Tax-Free Childcare. You must do this 3 months from the date you applied, even if you haven't started using your account. When will the Tax-Free Childcare start?You start receiving Tax-Free Childcare once you:meet the eligibility criteriahave children under 12 years old, or under 17 years old if they have a disabilityhave set up your account.You can still set up an account to start saving, even if you haven't started using childcare yet. For more information about 2, 3 & 4 year old funding and Tax Free Childcare, please do not hesitate to get in touch, alternatively please visit the link below.
Childcare Funding

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[H3] Contact Us
[H6] 01202 820124info@orcharddaynursery.com
[H6] Orchard Day Nursery, Coopers Lane, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7PG

[H3] Parent Logins

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