Little Ducklings Preschool

Play dough, borrowed books and outdoor stepping stones give Little Ducklings Preschool its character in the June 2023 account of daily life. This Heanor setting has 36 places in total. At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good, found safeguarding effective and praised the support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The children attending then were aged two to four. That dated picture combines practical independence, conversation and shared play, with two clear areas needing attention: adult deployment during group activities and help for children hesitant to join games.

In June 2023, language and mathematics grew out of play: adults encouraged descriptive vocabulary while children made dough, discussed shapes using blocks and explored positional language during a ball game. The early years foundation stage sets expectations for learning, development and care; here, those experiences show how play can bring conversation and early mathematical ideas together.

Outdoor equipment included tricycles and stepping stones, giving children opportunities to practise balance and coordination. Stories prompted children to remember events, while books taken home connected reading at preschool with family time.

Other June 2023 activities made personal identity and cultural differences tangible. Children used photographs of their homes as starting points for house-making activities; learning about China included creating a dragon and preparing a dance for parents. These were concrete ways to explore experiences beyond their own.

In June 2023, managers involved outside professionals in support for individual children. Additional funding paid for resources linked to children’s interests and, where needed, extra attendance to support behaviour around transitions. Small-group work gave those resources a practical purpose.

Children also practised toothbrushing, discussed road safety and heard stories about staying safe online. Parents received online-safety information too. Adults developed behavioural boundaries with children and recognised their efforts to follow them, making expectations part of everyday interaction.

The address is Park Lodge, Vibrok shanakiel Ilkeston Road, Heanor, DE75 7DR.

In June 2023, opening hours were 8.30am to 3.45pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded early education was provided then for children aged two, three and four. These describe the arrangements at that date.

• Support during group activities. In June 2023, adult deployment did not consistently enable children to benefit from planned group learning, including following a play-dough recipe. This matters for children who need more help with instructions.
• Confidence in peer games. In June 2023, children who were less confident did not consistently receive enough help to participate in team games. For a hesitant child, encouragement to join others deserves close attention.
• Planning attendance. The June 2023 arrangements were term-time opening and funded early education for two- to four-year-olds. At a visit, what ages, attendance patterns and funding arrangements apply now?

For families who value books, talk and practical play, the June 2023 account offers useful reasons to consider Little Ducklings Preschool. Its term-time arrangements at that date suited families planning care around that calendar. The balance rests on individual support: group activities and participation in peer games were the two areas needing closer attention.