Queensgate Pre-School

Imaginative play gives Queensgate Pre-School its character: in June 2023, children invented mixtures in a mud kitchen and drew staff into pretend shopping games. This Beverley setting has capacity for 20 children. At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall.

The children attending that visit were aged two to four. The picture was of children choosing their play, building friendships and gaining independence, alongside two clear areas for improvement: more freedom in creative work and a daily routine better suited to sustaining attention.

In June 2023, children decided which resources to use and where to play. Dressing up and imaginary ice-cream shopping drew staff into children's pretend play. Outdoors, the mud kitchen prompted explanations about what their invented mixtures could do. These were practical opportunities to develop ideas through play.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together: children develop language, learn to express feelings and practise independence through choices about their play. In June 2023, conversation ran through activities: group discussions included caterpillar development, while construction play produced an imagined beach house and swimming pool.

There was a limit to that independence. During some creative activities, adults gave too little room for children's original ideas. Some younger children also lost interest when seated discussions continued too long. Both points matter for families seeking a day shaped around children's curiosity and attention.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support strong, with the SENCo coordinating targeted help with staff, parents and other professionals so children made progress from their starting points.

In June 2023, staff used pictures of emotions and a mirror to help children explain their feelings. Children practised courteous conversation and reminded one another about indoor rules. Fitness activities included imitating caterpillars and butterflies, with staff linking movement to exercise and drinking water afterwards.

Parents had regular progress meetings and guidance on supporting development at home, including toilet training. Staff also exchanged achievements and learning priorities with other settings children attended. That coordination helped connect children's experiences across shared care arrangements.

The address is Beverley Grammar School, Queensgate, Beverley, HU17 8NF.

In June 2023, attendance was term-time: Monday and Friday sessions ran from 9am to midday; Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm; Wednesday from 9am to 1pm. That timetable combined shorter mornings with longer days rather than one uniform daily pattern.

At that time, the setting provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Creative freedom. In June 2023, adults sometimes restricted children's own ideas in creative work. On a visit, ask how children now choose materials and develop their own designs.
• Group-time length. Some younger children became restless during lengthy seated activities in June 2023. Ask how the daily routine accommodates different attention spans.
• Attendance fit. The June 2023 timetable varied by weekday and operated during term time. Which current session pattern would fit your family's week?

Queensgate's June 2023 picture suits families who value imaginative play, independence and coordination between home and childcare. Its attendance patterns then served both shorter morning sessions and longer term-time days. The balance to weigh is between those strengths and the need for more child-directed creativity and better-paced group activities.