Sheredes Pre-School

Magnetic people, bead threading and counting grapes give Sheredes Pre-School a recognisable character: practical play with an emphasis on communication and independence. At its February 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. That judgement belongs to a dated picture of a small pre-school, rather than a description of today's daily routines.

Based at Sheredes Primary School on Benford Road in Hoddesdon, the setting has capacity for 24 children. In February 2023, the children attending were aged two to three; that is an inspection-time age range.

In February 2023, children used resources indoors and outdoors, chose their play and practised managing personal care. Magnetic shapes became people, giving children a reason to discuss body parts while deciding how their creations should look.

The early years foundation stage is the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2023 activities illustrate learning through play: sorting shapes supported mathematics, while stories and conversations supported language.

A bag game encouraged children to identify objects and explain their uses. Tweezers, bead threading and glue sticks gave them practice with the hand movements needed for early writing. Recognising their names on pegs and snack-time cards connected print with familiar routines.

There was a clear limitation alongside that variety. In February 2023, staff did not consistently establish exactly what children should learn from planned activities. More precise teaching intentions were the required improvement: an enjoyable task needs a clear educational purpose too.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found strong key-person relationships, close work with parents on individual needs and well-organised transitions. These findings matter for children making the move from home into a group setting: a familiar adult and shared information help connect the two parts of their day.

In February 2023, staff used calm conversation to support sharing and turn-taking. Children practised identifying emotions, while adults stayed nearby to help when needed. Daily exchanges with families provided opportunities to listen and share information.

Safety routines at that time included checks of the premises and evacuation practice. Staff also exchanged relevant information with teachers at the host school to support continuity when children moved on.

The address is Sheredes Primary School, Benford Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 8LL.

In February 2023, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 8.20am to 11.20am, with a lunch club running from 11.20am to 12.20pm during term time only. That arrangement combined a morning opening window with an extension through lunchtime.

At that time, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise of a funded place.

Attendance at the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place at its host school. Families still need to use the local authority admissions process.

• Purposeful activities. More precise learning intentions were the February 2023 improvement priority. During a visit, ask how staff now choose an activity's learning goal and assess what children gain from it.
• Morning and lunchtime arrangements. The February 2023 routine paired morning opening with a term-time lunch club. What attendance pattern, funded-hours arrangement and meal or consumables costs would apply to your child now?

Sheredes merits consideration for families who value practical play and close relationships with a key person. Its February 2023 picture suited a shorter morning routine or a morning extended through lunch, rather than establishing a present-day booking offer. The balance is clear: positive care and learning findings, with sharper activity planning the point to examine.