Ducklings Pre School Stoke Climsland

A beach tent, children's votes on activities and conversations about recycling gave Ducklings Pre School Stoke Climsland a recognisable character in July 2024. Everyday play became an opportunity to practise independence, express opinions and make decisions.

Ofsted rated the setting Outstanding on 3 July 2024, judging its education highly ambitious. Based at Venterdon Chapel in Callington, it has capacity for 34 children aged 24 to 60 months.

In July 2024, learning followed children's interests while building the skills they needed next. The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, play included language, practical independence and mathematical thinking.

The beach tent encouraged shared imaginative play, with children helping one another put on wetsuits. Making sandcastle flags prompted discussion about shapes and comparisons. Staff also helped children practise using scissors and managing their coats: small tasks with a practical purpose.

Children voted on activities and explored whether food packaging could be recycled. These were opportunities to make choices and understand consequences. An interest in farming prompted a local college outing involving farm animals and a tractor-and-trailer ride, connecting their play with experiences beyond the setting.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND interventions successful in supporting children's progress. Staff worked with the special educational needs coordinator, used additional resources and shared relevant information with other agencies to support continuity of care.

In July 2024, key persons used their knowledge of individual children and assessments to plan subsequent learning. Signing, gestures and visual prompts supported communication, while stories encouraged children to discuss what they heard. Training had helped staff support children's understanding of emotions; toys offered another way to manage feelings.

Communication with families included online platforms, parents' evenings and a family communication board. Children also practised sharing outdoor wheeled toys, using a visual prompt to recognise when to swap turns. Staff received induction and targeted development, with positive support for their wellbeing.

Venterdon Chapel, Venterdon, Callington, PL17 8PD is the setting's address. Opening hours are 8.45am to 2.45pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure in school holidays. That calendar matters for families whose childcare needs continue beyond the school day or term.

In July 2024, the preschool received early-education funding for children aged three and four. This is a dated funding position rather than a promise of an individual funded place.

• Term-time timetable. The 8.45am to 2.45pm opening window and school-holiday closures suit a school-calendar routine; families needing longer coverage should weigh that timetable carefully.
• Learning through interests. The July 2024 farming outing and activity votes show how children's interests shaped learning. During a visit, ask how that approach would support your child's next steps.
• Funded attendance. Funding supported three- and four-year-olds in July 2024. Which funded attendance arrangements and associated charges would apply to your child now?

Ducklings suits families seeking a term-time preschool routine, with the July 2024 examples giving substance to its Outstanding judgement. Practical independence, supported communication and child-led choices made the learning memorable. The shorter weekday opening window is the central practical consideration.