Little Holly Hedgehog Pre-school

In April 2023, regular library-bus visits, books with home-language recordings and independent imaginative play gave Little Holly Hedgehog Pre-school a recognisable character. Based at Crawley Baptist Church on Crabtree Road, it has 20 places in total. At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, finding highly effective teaching and confident, independent children.

Children attending in April 2023 were aged two to four. That age range belongs to the inspection period, as do the examples of daily life below.

In April 2023, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Play made those aims concrete: a restaurant scenario developed into children organising roles, negotiating problems and continuing the story themselves. Adults helped launch the ideas; children took them further.

The library bus visited regularly, and each child had a library card. This brought borrowing books into children's own experience, rather than leaving libraries as something adults used for them. Talking books carried recordings in several family languages, including Polish, letting children practise words and share their pronunciation with others.

Physical learning had substance too. In April 2023, children practised balancing and climbing on wooden structures and learnt to pedal tricycles backwards as well as forwards. A dance teacher introduced intricate movements to Bollywood music. These were opportunities to build coordination through different kinds of movement.

Community visitors connected learning with everyday life. A dentist's visit helped children understand tooth care, while an activity about St. George prompted questions and problem-solving. These examples show how practical encounters and discussion could extend play.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and tailored support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities successful, with staff, families and external professionals working together to support progress.

Relationships were central to the April 2023 experience. Staff quickly got to know children and their families, while older children used strategies for managing feelings, including choosing books in the reading tent when they wanted to relax. A specific place and a familiar activity gave them a practical way to settle themselves.

Parents also took part in activities and training about supporting early reading. This made communication more than an exchange of updates: families could see approaches in use and learn ways to continue them at home.

The address is Crawley Baptist Church, Crabtree Road, Crawley, RH11 7HJ.

In April 2023, opening hours were 9.30am to 2.30pm on Monday, Thursday and Friday, during term time only. At that time, the pre-school received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements rather than a current attendance offer.

• The attendance pattern. The April 2023 timetable covered three named weekdays during term time. What attendance and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?
• Learning alongside your child. In April 2023, parents were invited to join activities and early-reading training. Families who want practical involvement in learning have a concrete example to weigh here.

Little Holly Hedgehog Pre-school merits consideration by families who value imaginative play, books and learning connected to children's languages and everyday experiences. Its April 2023 strengths were tangible: independent restaurant play, library borrowing and purposeful movement. The strongest fit is for parents who want to participate in that learning, with the dated timetable an important part of their decision.