Fledgelings Playgroup

In September 2024, children created balancing routes with tyres and planks at Fledgelings Playgroup, giving their play a practical, hands-on character. This Dunham on Trent setting has capacity for 18 children. At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall, with Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, and found safeguarding effective.

The children attending in September 2024 were aged 2 to 4. The daily experiences described below belong to that period: shared fruit, familiar toys and outdoor experimentation featured alongside preparation for school.

In September 2024, the curriculum emphasised movement, communication, confidence and getting along with others. The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care; here, play gave children opportunities to practise language, physical skills and cooperation.

Makaton sign language supported communication alongside conversations during play. Letter-and-sound activities accommodated different stages: some children matched objects to initial sounds, while others practised naming them. During group conversations, older children had opportunities to speak to others. Younger children could switch to another activity when their attention ran out.

Outdoor play in September 2024 involved moving tyres and planks to build routes for balancing. Large boards offered space for painting, while flowers and leaves became materials to cut and mash in a kitchen area. These activities gave children reasons to use tools, coordinate movements and experiment with materials.

There were limits to this approach. Staff sometimes missed opportunities to add vocabulary or develop an idea during play, and occasionally completed practical tasks children could have attempted themselves.

At the September 2024 inspection, Ofsted found secure relationships with key people, useful progress information for parents and prompt collaboration with families and professionals when developmental concerns emerged. Speech and language therapists were among the professionals involved, making communication support a concrete part of the account.

In September 2024, staff gathered information before children started and introduced familiar interests, including dinosaurs, to help them settle. Children sought their key person when uncertain. Behaviour reminders included explanations, and children practised sharing by passing fruit to one another at snack time.

Fledgelings Playgroup's address is Portacabins, Laneham Road, Dunham on Trent, NG22 0UL.

In September 2024, attendance ran Monday to Friday during term time, with sessions from 8.45am to 3.15pm. That pattern placed care within the school-term calendar. The setting also took children receiving government funding at that time.

• Independence during play. In September 2024, adults sometimes handled paint, water or bottle pumps for children who could try themselves. Look for opportunities for children to attempt practical tasks during a visit.
• Extending learning. September 2024 improvement priorities included recognising when play could lead to new ideas or language. This matters alongside the opportunities for physical exploration.
• Attendance fit. The September 2024 pattern was weekday, term-time sessions. What session and funding arrangements would apply to your child now?

Fledgelings is worth considering for families drawn to hands-on play, communication activities and a setting with 18 places in total. Its September 2024 term-time session pattern would suit families seeking care within the school calendar. Balancing routes and practical materials gave its September 2024 provision a clear character; greater scope for children to do things themselves was the important improvement priority.