Marlbrook Pre-School

Pirate play, buried coins and a cardboard ship give Marlbrook Pre-School's July 2023 snapshot its character: children followed their interests while staff brought counting and mathematical language into the adventure. Play carried the learning.

Based at St. Lukes Church Hall in Marlbrook, the pre-school has capacity for 24 children. At its 6 July 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall; children attending then were aged two to four.

In July 2023, the curriculum covered seven areas of learning, with speech and language receiving particular attention. The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: here, children explored ideas through play, conversation and practical experiences.

Staff extended pirate adventures with songs and introduced comparisons while children counted their discoveries. Outdoors, pretend refuelling and payments added another dimension to vehicle play. Tricycles, a trampoline, ground drawing with chalk and a sand area gave children different ways to move and explore.

Independence had practical expression that July. Children poured their own water, chose resources and attempted coats and shoes; older children managed dressing and toileting themselves. These were useful opportunities to practise everyday tasks rather than depend on adults for each step.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding and strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including communication aids and coordination with families and professionals.

In July 2023, visual prompts worn on lanyards and speech games helped children communicate, while the special educational needs coordinator arranged referrals when needed. Parents had contact with their child's key person and received updates about their day, connecting home and pre-school experiences.

Staff supervision, safeguarding discussions, daily premises checks and paediatric first aid training formed part of care arrangements that July. Regular meetings with the manager and access to further training supported staff development. Children contributed to group conversations, and staff reinforced behaviour expectations through golden rules and praise.

The address is St. Lukes Church Hall, Braces Lane, Marlbrook, Bromsgrove, B60 1ED.

In July 2023, attendance ran Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions from 9am to 3pm. The pre-school then provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That dated attendance pattern matters for families whose childcare needs extend into school holidays.

• Time to answer. In July 2023, staff sometimes moved on before children had enough time to respond to questions. Ask how practitioners now give children space to develop their answers.
• Responsibility after play. Tidying expectations were inconsistent in July 2023. This matters alongside the practical independence children were already practising.
• Term-time fit. The July 2023 pattern was term-time attendance with 9am to 3pm sessions. Does the current booking arrangement fit your working day and holiday needs?

Marlbrook suits parents who value play-based learning, communication support and everyday independence. Its July 2023 picture combines imaginative activities with practical care mechanisms, while thinking time and tidying were clear areas for improvement. For families considering the term-time pattern documented that July, compatibility with work and holiday arrangements is a central decision.