Holton le Clay Preschool Group

A pirate ship, a tyre swing and discoveries beneath outdoor matting give Holton le Clay Preschool Group a practical, playful character in its May 2023 snapshot. Outdoor exploration linked movement, imagination and early maths. Small discoveries became learning opportunities.

At its 19 May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the preschool Good and found safeguarding effective. The preschool has 24 places in total; the children attending in May 2023 were aged two to four. Those ages describe that inspection period.

In May 2023, children used the school field for running, climbing and riding scoot-along toys. Staff helped them judge manageable risks on the tyre swing and pirate ship. Pretend treasure hunts gave imaginative play a concrete setting, while finding worms and snails encouraged children to explore together.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: play here connected movement, communication and early mathematical ideas. In May 2023, staff introduced counting through activities and used worms and snail shells to explore comparisons of size. Songs accompanied activities, giving children another way to practise communication.

Adult-led sessions in May 2023 helped children practise listening, following instructions and concentrating. Older children engaged more successfully; movement nearby distracted younger children and interrupted their learning. Reducing those distractions was an improvement priority.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that teaching built on children's existing skills, staff coordinated additional support with other professionals, and extra funding helped identified children make progress. Support was connected to individual learning needs rather than a single approach for everyone.

In May 2023, children played cooperatively, practised taking turns and developed friendships. Staff taught messages about healthy food, drinks and dental care, then shared them with families. Safety guidance also extended to appropriate internet use at home.

Mealtimes presented a different challenge in May 2023: adults sometimes completed tasks children could have attempted themselves. Changing snack and meal routines to give children more responsibility was the second improvement priority. Everyday care offered an opportunity to build independence.

The preschool's address is c/o Infant School, Church Lane, Holton le Clay, Grimsby, DN36 5AQ. Its school-site setting does not guarantee a Reception place.

In May 2023, opening hours were 8am to 3pm on weekdays, during term time. At that time, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements, rather than a description of today's attendance offer.

• Younger children's concentration. Nearby activity disrupted group learning in May 2023. During a visit, ask how group activities now protect younger children's attention.
• Independence at meals. In May 2023, staff sometimes did tasks children could try themselves. Look for opportunities for children to take responsibility during snacks and meals.
• Planning attendance. The May 2023 pattern was term-time opening from 8am to 3pm. Before committing, ask which attendance patterns, funded arrangements and associated charges apply now.

Outdoor play and practical learning are the clearest reasons to consider this preschool. Its May 2023 account will appeal to families who value physical activity, imaginative play and learning drawn from children's discoveries. The Good judgement sits alongside two useful cautions: younger children's concentration during groups and their independence at mealtimes. Both matter to the daily experience.