Little Dragons Pre School

In May 2022, cooperative play stood out at Little Dragons Pre School: children helped carry resources, negotiated turns and reassured younger companions. At its May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good overall and behaviour and attitudes Outstanding.

The setting has capacity for 26 children, in The Unit on Clarence Road, Portland. Children attending in May 2022 were aged two to four; that age range describes the children at that visit.

In May 2022, outdoor activity included searching for insects, climbing trees and balancing on wooden planks. These were practical opportunities to explore living things and practise movement, rather than simply a break from indoor play. A world map prompted conversations about places children had visited.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care: here, the May 2022 examples included learning through play, conversation and physical exploration. Staff extended vocabulary during imaginative investigations using pretend snow and foil craters. Questions encouraged children to explain their thinking.

A music area supported imaginative play in May 2022, alongside yoga and dance. Children also used a sand timer to agree turns with resources. That small detail matters: the timer gave children a tool they could use independently to negotiate sharing.

There was a mixture of activities chosen by children and sessions led by adults. The limitation in May 2022 was group organisation: quieter children needed more opportunity to join in and offer ideas.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding and positive support for children with additional needs, with the special educational needs coordinator working alongside staff and external agencies.

In May 2022, children formed close relationships with their key person, and staff shared developmental information with parents. This connected care at home with what children were doing at pre-school. Staff identified children needing extra help early and planned support around individual needs.

Meals in May 2022 were prepared on the premises using fresh ingredients, with a packed lunch from home as an alternative. Outdoor exercise, yoga and dance also featured in the account of healthy daily routines.

The address is The Unit, c/o St Georges Primary School, Clarence Road, Portland, DT5 2BD. In May 2022, the pre-school occupied a separate, self-contained building at the primary school.

Opening hours in May 2022 were 9am to 3pm on weekdays during school terms. At that time, the setting received funding for free early education for three- and four-year-olds.

Being based at St Georges Primary School does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still apply through the local authority’s admissions process.

• Quieter children. Group participation was the improvement priority in May 2022. On a visit, ask how staff now make space for children who hesitate to speak in a group.
• Attendance arrangements. The May 2022 offer followed school terms and daytime opening hours. What current attendance and funding arrangements would fit your child’s age and your working pattern?
• Reception applications. The primary-school site is a practical connection, but attendance does not secure admission. Treat the Reception application as a separate decision.

The May 2022 picture suits families looking for cooperative play, outdoor exploration and opportunities for children to practise independence. The May 2022 picture is strongest on behaviour and relationships, with group participation the clear point to examine. Its term-time, daytime arrangements at that visit offer a useful starting point for deciding whether the pre-school fits family life.