Mentmore Under Fives

A pretend café, water-based mark-making and walks through fallen leaves give Mentmore Under Fives its character in October 2022: play connected to children's interests and the world around them. This Leighton Buzzard setting has capacity for 24 children.

Ofsted rated the setting Good on 4 October 2022. Children attending then were aged two to four, and the strongest practical examples centred on conversation, imaginative play and exploring outdoors.

In October 2022, children turned the role-play area into a shop and café, taking orders and discussing their menu with staff. These shared games gave them reasons to talk, cooperate and draw on familiar experiences.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the October 2022 activities illustrate learning through play. In the garden, paintbrushes, water pens and a water mat supported early mark-making, with children also using the pavement when the mat needed to dry.

Regular local outings in October 2022 brought seasonal changes into children's learning. Listening during nature walks encouraged attention to sounds, while fallen leaves prompted conversations about trees and weather. Staff followed children's interests when planning activities, but teaching was not consistently adapted to the younger children's needs. More carefully pitched interactions were the improvement priority.

At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities good, with staff identifying additional needs and key persons working alongside parents. This linked support at the setting with support at home.

In October 2022, settling began with parents staying while children explored, and staff waited for children to welcome their involvement. Observations and information from parents then helped staff choose appealing activities as children began separating from them. Close relationships with key persons provided continuity.

Parent communication in October 2022 included awareness of children's learning progress. Staff also discussed activities daily and shared training through team meetings, giving them opportunities to adjust their practice.

Mentmore Under Fives is at The Pavillion, Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2NZ.

In October 2022, attendance was term-time only, with sessions running from 9.15am to 2.15pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that period, rather than a current booking offer.

• Teaching for younger children. In October 2022, interactions were not always adapted sufficiently for the youngest children. At a visit, ask how activities are now adjusted for children at different developmental stages.
• Attendance pattern. The October 2022 model combined term-time attendance with a session ending at 2.15pm. Ask whether today's booking arrangements fit your working hours and holiday needs.

Mentmore Under Fives merits consideration by families drawn to interest-led play, conversation and local outdoor exploration. Its October 2022 strengths included close adult relationships and thoughtful settling arrangements; adapting teaching for younger children needed attention. The attendance model then suited families seeking term-time daytime sessions, so its practical fit depends on the pattern a family needs today.