Lighthouse Club

Fir cones under a microscope and songs accompanied by castanets give Lighthouse Club’s May 2025 picture its character: everyday objects become starting points for discovery and conversation. The setting has capacity for 50 children and is based in Sutton Coldfield at St. Nicholas RC Primary School on Jockey Road, B73 5US.

At its May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated Lighthouse Club Good overall, with outdoor learning resources the main area requiring improvement. Children attending at that time were aged 3 to 11; that age range describes the children present then.

In May 2025, activities followed topics shaped by children’s interests, with learning building on their existing knowledge. The early years foundation stage is the framework for children’s learning, development and care; here, the examples included exploring nature, practising sounds and experimenting with creative materials.

Stories, puppets and songs supported conversation that month. Children matched initial sounds in familiar words, learnt vocabulary through musical instruments and compared pictures of seahorses using language about length. Adding rice to paint gave them a texture to discuss, while making pictures allowed them to choose colours and explain their decisions.

Outdoor play in May 2025 included puddle jumping and watching ants between paving slabs. There was a clear limitation too: the outdoor toy kitchen lacked utensils and other materials, and children’s interest faded. Improving the resources and planning outside was the specific next step.

At the May 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and that collaboration with parents and other professionals supported good learning progress for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Daily routines in May 2025 encouraged independence, including putting belongings away and washing hands before food. Games gave children practice in sharing and waiting, and they celebrated each other’s successes. Staff discussed the benefits of fruit at snack time, connecting eating with learning about health.

Parents received feedback about their children’s progress that month. Staff also undertook training in using books and puppets for communication, alongside regular supervision: development extended to the adults as well as the children.

In May 2025, the club occupied a portable building within the school grounds and opened on weekdays during school terms, from 8am to 6pm. Children attended different session arrangements, and early education funding was provided for three- and four-year-olds.

The school site matters when considering the next stage. Attendance at this setting does not guarantee a Reception place at the host school.

• Outdoor learning. Missing utensils curtailed toy-kitchen play in May 2025. During a visit, ask how outdoor resources and activity planning have developed.
• Attendance arrangements. The May 2025 operating pattern was term-time weekdays. How would the current sessions, funded hours and charges fit your family’s week?

Lighthouse Club’s May 2025 picture suits families who value conversation, practical exploration and growing independence, with term-time attendance forming the practical backdrop. Its appeal lies in small teaching moments, from examining natural objects to discussing paint textures. The balance is clear: a Good judgement, alongside a specific need to make outdoor play more purposeful and better equipped.