Moordown Pre-School

Planting seeds, examining daffodils and cycling outdoors give Moordown Pre-School’s February 2023 picture a practical, hands-on character. Children explored their surroundings and took responsibility for familiar routines. Everyday routines gave children opportunities to practise independence.

Ofsted rated the pre-school Good at its 28 February 2023 inspection. Based at Scout Hall in Moordown, Bournemouth, it has capacity for 30 children; those attending in February 2023 were aged two to four.

In February 2023, children’s interests helped shape the activities, with time for both independently chosen play and adult guidance. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children’s learning, development and care: here, the inspection-time examples included conversation, physical play and exploring how plants grow.

Daffodils became a starting point for looking closely at stems and buds. Handling soil, filling pots and discussing roots linked practical movement with new vocabulary. Children also helped one another fetch water for planting. These were opportunities to practise cooperation alongside learning about the natural world.

Outdoor activity in February 2023 included balancing, climbing and riding bicycles. Walks and park visits extended that exploration beyond the setting. Visits to shops and libraries introduced children to their neighbourhood and the work people did, giving everyday learning a connection to life outside the pre-school.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with additional needs strong, with professional advice and support plans helping children progress. These are dated judgements rather than assurances about present practice.

In February 2023, staff exchanged information with families about children’s interests and development at home. Children located their own name cards and managed their coats and lunch boxes, building independence through familiar tasks. Staff demonstrated polite behaviour, encouraged turn-taking and used praise to support confidence.

Home languages, signing and visual prompts supported communication in February 2023. Staff also exchanged information about children’s achievements with other settings and local schools, helping maintain continuity as children moved between provision or prepared for school.

The address is Scout Hall, Victoria Park Road, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 2RB.

In February 2023, opening hours were 8.30am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. At that date, the pre-school received funding for free early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Both the timetable and funding description belong to that period and should be read as historical arrangements.

• Group activities. In February 2023, some adult-guided groups were too big to keep every child involved and extend their learning. This matters for children who need more individual encouragement during shared activities.
• Teaching development. The February 2023 improvement priorities included more mentoring and exchange of effective teaching practice. Staff development was therefore an area for further work, alongside changing group activities.
• Attendance planning. The February 2023 timetable followed term time and finished at 3.15pm. At a visit, what attendance patterns and funded-hour arrangements now apply to your child?

Moordown’s February 2023 picture suits families who value practical exploration, growing independence and learning connected to the local neighbourhood. Planting, outdoor movement and community visits gave that approach substance. The Good judgement provides a dated quality benchmark, balanced by specific concerns about group engagement and opportunities to develop teaching. Families should weigh that historical picture alongside their own attendance needs.