Marhamchurch Pre School

A woodland worm, a counting game and a musical scarf give Marhamchurch Pre School's September 2022 account its character: learning built around things children can handle, investigate and discuss. At its September 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Outstanding and found that children made excellent progress.

Based at The Revel Field in Marhamchurch, the pre-school has capacity for 20 children. The children attending in September 2022 were aged two to three; that age range describes the inspection period.

In September 2022, weekly outings to private woodland brought exploration and safety together. Children examined a worm and returned it carefully to its habitat. An owl sound signalled that they should regroup, giving outdoor discovery a clear routine.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its September 2022 expression included playful work with language, number and music. Books sat among activity resources, including a counting book in the mud kitchen, so reading could become part of play rather than a separate task.

A monkey puppet deliberately got counting wrong, inviting children to spot mistakes and find missing number cards. Older children tackled a more demanding version. Music offered another kind of investigation: children tapped and scraped a guiro, changed their voices with its position and moved coloured scarves in response to notes. These examples show how practical activities gave children something specific to notice and explain.

Neutral decoration, fabric drapes and fairy lights shaped the interior in September 2022. Everyday materials and recycled objects also supplied opportunities to create and explore.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found exceptional support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, effective safeguarding and strong partnerships with parents. Staff coordinating additional support worked with agencies and schools to help families obtain assistance.

In September 2022, children's progress was shared with parents through a secure online platform. Books and activity packs extended learning into family time. This gave parents both an account of development and practical ways to join in.

Safety learning was concrete: children practised handling sticks and positioning garden tools safely. Staff training and risk assessments supported these activities. Behind the day-to-day work, the committee supported staff, while practitioners exchanged ideas about developing the curriculum.

The address is The Revel Field, Helebridge Road, Marhamchurch, Bude, EX23 0HY.

In September 2022, opening hours were 8.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays during term time. An occasional holiday club operated in response to demand. At that date, the pre-school received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. These are historical operating arrangements.

• Attendance and ages. The September 2022 account describes term-time opening and children aged two to three. At a visit, what current age range and attendance arrangements would apply to your child?
• Outdoor learning. Weekly woodland visits were part of the September 2022 experience, with children learning routines for regrouping and handling natural materials safely. That practical emphasis matters for families who value outdoor exploration.

Marhamchurch Pre School suits parents drawn to learning through conversation, practical investigation and outdoor experiences. Its September 2022 account combines imaginative number and music activities with concrete support for families. The strongest reason to consider it is that detailed picture of children's learning, alongside the dated Outstanding judgement.