Mudeford Pre-School

A curiosity cube, story-inspired construction and children preparing their own fruit give Mudeford Pre-School a recognisable character: learning through conversation, practical tasks and ideas children help shape. Based at Methodist Church Hall in Mudeford, Christchurch, it has capacity for 40 children.

At its November 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, made good progress. The children attending then were aged two to four. This is an account of that inspection-era experience.

In November 2023, children's interests helped shape topics. A curiosity cube containing objects prompted discussion, while a house-building activity encouraged children to test designs against a storybook wolf. They explained their decisions to friends and revised their constructions. Practical problem-solving gave conversation a purpose.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the November 2023 activities brought that learning into play, stories and everyday tasks. The book of the week gave children opportunities to revisit characters and recall a storyline, rather than simply move on to another activity.

Children also listened to recorded stories through headphones while following the accompanying books. Words encountered in reading reappeared in their play. Staff made room for answers during conversations, and daily songs and reading provided further language practice.

In November 2023, staff identified developmental gaps through observation and screening, introduced support promptly and involved outside agencies when needed. They adjusted their approach as children developed. Parents received learning goals alongside books and activities chosen for their child, connecting home learning with the pre-school day.

Independence was practical: children dressed themselves, sliced fruit and poured drinks, with adults demonstrating techniques or offering prompts. Colours helped children express feelings, while gentle intervention supported sharing and turn-taking. Staff supplied lunches and healthy snacks, drawing on expert advice about nutritional balance; tooth-cleaning activities also formed part of the day.

Staff development included training, monitoring and peer observation each half term. Safeguarding routines included repeated training, checks on staff understanding and controlled access through doors and gates.

Methodist Church Hall, Mudeford Lane, Mudeford, Christchurch, BH23 3HL is the setting's address.

In November 2023, opening hours were 8.45am to 2.45pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with Wednesday finishing at 11.45am. Attendance operated during term time. A breakfast club began at 8am each morning, providing an earlier start alongside the main opening window.

At that time, the pre-school offered funded early education for children aged two, three and four. The term-time arrangement made the school calendar an important part of planning childcare.

• Indoor physical play. In November 2023, some indoor movement activities offered insufficient challenge, allowing engagement to drop and other children's learning to be interrupted. Ask how these activities now keep children involved and extend their learning.
• The weekly timetable. The November 2023 pattern combined term-time opening, an earlier breakfast club and a shorter Wednesday. How does the current booking pattern fit your working week and holiday childcare needs?

Mudeford's November 2023 experience would suit families who value language-rich play, practical independence and learning continued at home. Its attendance pattern suited both families needing an early breakfast-club start and those organising childcare around term-time daytime opening. Indoor physical play was the clear improvement priority alongside otherwise purposeful everyday learning.