St Oswalds Ladybirds Preschool, CIO

Snail investigations and a wild garden gave St Oswalds Ladybirds Preschool, CIO a hands-on character in June 2021. Children examined shells, made trails with glue and built with natural materials. These concrete experiences brought conversation, movement and exploration into the same activity.

At its June 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged the preschool Good overall and found safeguarding effective. It has capacity for 30 children, on the site of St Oswald Church of England Primary School in Ashbourne. The children attending in June 2021 were aged two to four.

In June 2021, the early years foundation stage took practical form through investigations, conversation and independent play: children explored soap and shaving cream, discussed snails and constructed roller coasters from blocks. Sharing materials and deciding which blocks to use gave them opportunities to practise cooperation alongside building.

The wild garden extended that exploration outdoors. In June 2021, children tackled slippery slopes, searched beneath logs for insects and used twigs for construction. The space had developed in response to information from families about children's enjoyment of outdoor play, connecting interests at home with experiences at preschool.

There were limits to the organisation of learning. In June 2021, some children lost interest while waiting for a group explanation to finish before a snail hunt. Books and environmental print were present, but staff needed clearer intentions and practical ideas for developing early reading through play.

In June 2021, staff gathered information about children as they joined and used their interests to plan activities. Families received detailed updates about learning, while information from home helped shape provision. This made communication useful in both directions.

At the June 2021 inspection, Ofsted found that additional funding supported physical development through balancing boards, and that timely intervention and advice from external professionals helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Everyday independence also featured in June 2021: children cleared their snack dishes and put on outdoor suits themselves. Staff had undertaken training in using yoga to help children manage feelings, linking emotional support with the preschool day.

The address is St. Oswalds C Of E Primary School, Mayfield Road, Ashbourne, DE6 1AS. In June 2021, the preschool operated Monday to Friday during term time, with session times of 8am to 5pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

The preschool occupied the primary school site, and in June 2021 its manager worked with the host school. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a place at St Oswald Church of England Primary School.

• Early reading. In June 2021, staff needed clearer intentions for developing reading during play. The practical use of books and print is an important point to explore when visiting.
• Group activities. Waiting during the June 2021 snail activity left some children restless. How group time keeps children involved merits attention.
• Attendance arrangements. The June 2021 pattern was term-time provision with sessions from 8am to 5pm. What attendance patterns and funded arrangements apply now?

The provision described in June 2021 suits families drawn to practical investigation, outdoor exploration and growing independence. The wild garden and snail activities give that account character. Its Good judgement sits alongside specific improvements needed in early reading and group organisation; both deserve weight in a decision.