The Lodge Playgroup

Tape measures, paint and ice give The Lodge Playgroup's January 2024 account a practical character: children explored size, movement and language through things they could handle. At its 29 January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Good overall and judged safeguarding effective.

The playgroup has capacity for 20 children and is based at Daubeney Middle School in Kempston. Children attending in January 2024 were aged two to four; that age range describes attendance at the time, rather than a current admissions promise.

In January 2024, learning combined conversation with hands-on exploration. Children used a tape measure to investigate their height, while staff helped them find its starting point and interpret the numbers. Comparing objects by size gave mathematical language a practical purpose.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the January 2024 examples included listening to stories, experimenting with materials and developing physical control through play. Children picked up ice to develop their grip and made large patterns in paint to practise movements relevant to later writing.

Books also invited participation. In January 2024, children chose books independently, shared them with others and answered questions during expressive readings. Discussions about festivals celebrated at home, accompanied by traditional dishes, connected learning with children's family experiences.

In January 2024, familiar relationships with staff helped children settle. Adults talked calmly about feelings and supported children as they worked through small disagreements. These interactions made emotional understanding part of ordinary play.

Practical health and safety activities included exploring model teeth with toothbrushes and toy dentist equipment and checking the space before jumping from a wooden block. Children could practise decisions rather than simply hear instructions.

Development was monitored in January 2024, and staff worked with other professionals to coordinate children's care. Clear speech, repeated vocabulary and conversations about children's activities supported participation, including for children learning English alongside another language. Conversations and written information helped parents understand the learning and continue it at home.

The address is Daubeney Middle School, Orchard Street, Kempston, BEDFORD MK42 7PS.

In January 2024, attendance followed the school-term calendar, with opening days running from Monday to Friday. At the 29 January 2024 inspection, sessions ran from 9am to 3pm from Monday to Thursday and from 9am to midday on Friday. The shorter Friday matters when weighing that historical timetable against a working week.

At that time, the playgroup provided funded early education places for children aged two, three and four.

• Extending learning. In January 2024, activities sometimes needed to stretch the most-able children further and involve the youngest more fully. Ask how activities now cater for both groups.
• Term-time rhythm. The January 2024 timetable ended at midday on Fridays and operated during term time. How would the current attendance pattern fit your family's week and holiday arrangements?

The January 2024 picture suits families who value practical exploration, shared reading and help with children's emotions. Its term-time timetable combined longer Monday-to-Thursday sessions with a shorter Friday. The key consideration is how staff now extend activities for children ready for greater challenge while keeping younger children involved.