Headstart Day, Pre-School & Afterschool
At Headstart, we pride ourselves on providing a warm, caring, and stimulating environment for children aged 12 weeks to 11 years. We are a busy and thriving nursery, open 51 weeks of the year, closing only for bank holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year.
Established in November 2003 by owner Sarah Abbott, Headstart Nursery has grown into a trusted, family-run setting where children can explore, learn, and flourish. Our experienced managers, Jody Barry and Kerrie Everitt, are always happy to welcome families, offer tours of our facilities, and answer any questions you may have.
We are proud to offer:
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Five dedicated rooms, tailored to different age groups and developmental stages
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Two spacious gardens, designed for outdoor play and learning
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A ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, awarded during our most recent inspection in November 2022
At Headstart Nursery, every child is treated as an individual. Our team is committed to supporting each child’s journey with care, attention, and a passion for early years education.
Our Pre-School Ofsted Inspection – April 2026
We are incredibly proud to share the findings from our recent Ofsted inspection, which took place on 23 April 2026.
The inspection recognised a number of significant strengths within our Pre-school Room, with Achievement, Behaviour and Attitudes, and Curriculum and Teaching all judged to be at a “Strong standard.” Ofsted also confirmed that our safeguarding standards were met, ensuring that children are safe, secure and well cared for.
Strong progress and confident learners
Ofsted found that children make highly effective progress from their starting points, particularly in communication and language. Children were observed using an increasing range of vocabulary, listening attentively, responding thoughtfully and engaging in meaningful interactions with both adults and their peers.
The report also recognised the progress made by children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those facing barriers to learning. Children were seen becoming increasingly confident, engaged and purposeful in their play and interactions.
A stimulating environment for learning
We are especially proud that Ofsted highlighted the development of our natural outdoor environment, describing it as providing a rich and highly stimulating range of experiences.
Our curriculum is carefully designed and embedded across the Early Years Foundation Stage, with practitioners adapting experiences to meet children's individual developmental stages. Learning is naturally woven into children's everyday experiences, from developing mathematical understanding through counting and water play to extending vocabulary through conversations and play.
Happy, settled and independent children
Ofsted described children as happy, settled and engaged in a rich range of experiences. Children were observed exploring with curiosity and sustained focus, developing positive relationships and cooperating with one another.
The report also highlighted children's growing independence, including managing routines such as snack time, making choices during play and taking responsibility for tidying resources. These experiences help prepare children confidently for their next stage of learning, including the transition to school.
A warm and inclusive community
Our nurturing and inclusive approach was also recognised. Ofsted found that relationships across the setting are warm and respectful, with practitioners providing reassurance and support that helps children feel valued and confident.
Leaders were recognised for their strong understanding of the community they serve and for providing an inclusive environment where children with additional needs, disadvantage or other barriers to learning are supported to participate meaningfully and make clear progress.
We are incredibly proud of our dedicated Pre-school team and the positive learning environment they create every day. This inspection reflects the commitment, passion and professionalism of our staff, as well as our ongoing focus on providing the very best start for every child.
A huge thank you to our wonderful team, our children and our families for being such an important part of our Pre-school community.
We will continue to build on these strengths and strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
