Bishopston Beanstalks

An emotions board that children could use before they had the words to explain their feelings captures Bishopston Beanstalks’ approach in July 2023: practical ways to help children express themselves and take part. Based at Bishopston Methodist Church in Bristol, it has 24 places in total.

At its 12 July 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. The children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest examples concerned emotional expression, independence and relationships, alongside two clear areas for improvement in teaching.

In July 2023, children used discs bearing their photographs to register themselves and choose a tidying task. These small responsibilities gave them an active role in the day, rather than leaving every decision to adults.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care. Here, the July 2023 examples included learning words while mixing ingredients and making choices about snack fruit. Children voted for fruit, then visited a local shop to buy it, connecting a decision indoors with an experience in the wider community.

Family participation also brought cultural experiences into the setting. In July 2023, relatives shared celebrations, including traditional food associated with Eid-al-Fitr. Maps displayed at children’s height connected their photographs with their birthplaces and heritage.

In July 2023, children could place their photograph beside an emotion picture, giving those with limited speech a way to communicate how they felt. Staff checked these choices and responded. Tents and quieter spaces containing books and cushions offered somewhere to retreat from busier play.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress, with additional funding used effectively for training and inclusive routines. Sensitive settling support and close relationships with a key person were also features of daily life that July.

Mealtimes in July 2023 involved children cutting food and serving their own drinks, with adults sitting alongside them. Parents received progress updates and suggestions for activities at home, creating a connection between nursery learning and family life.

The address is Bishopston Methodist Church, 245 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8NY.

In July 2023, opening hours were 9am to 2pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and 9am to 1pm on Wednesdays, during term time. At that date, the setting received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements rather than a current attendance offer.

• Conversation with older children. In July 2023, staff sometimes asked questions too quickly for children to think and answer. Giving children more time to respond was an improvement priority.
• Purposeful learning. In July 2023, teaching did not consistently carry through the intended learning, including opportunities to help children build friendships. This matters alongside the positive examples of independent choices.
• Attendance and funding. The July 2023 arrangements were term-time opening on four named weekdays with early education funding. At a visit, ask how the current attendance and funding arrangements would fit your family’s week.

For families drawn to practical independence and ways of helping children express emotions, the July 2023 picture offers useful reasons to consider Bishopston Beanstalks. Its strengths were tangible: photograph discs, quieter spaces and participation in everyday decisions. The reservations were equally specific, concerning the pace of adult questioning and consistency of teaching. Families seeking term-time preschool care can weigh those findings alongside their attendance needs.