Cantelupe Pre-School Playgroup

Herb potions, spider investigations and a mud kitchen give Cantelupe Pre-School Playgroup's July 2022 snapshot a hands-on character. At its 6 July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Good and found safeguarding effective. The strongest examples combine children choosing their play with adults helping them develop language and practical skills.

Based at Cantelupe Centre in Ilkeston, the playgroup has capacity for 30 children, with an age range of 24 to 60 months. That whole-setting capacity is separate from the size of any activity group.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care; here, its July 2022 examples included learning through play, conversation and practical exploration. Children investigated spiders using magnifying glasses and books. Herbs supplied another opportunity: cutting rosemary and pulling apart mint leaves exercised small hand movements while giving children smells to discuss.

In July 2022, the mud kitchen brought together water, soil and sand for sustained exploration. Physical challenges included an obstacle course, stepping stones and a climbing frame. These gave children different ways to practise balance and movement, rather than relying on seated activities.

Language also ran through the July 2022 play. Adults helped toddlers name the parts of a model aeroplane; older children matched animal sounds with pictures. A story activity used boxes of different sizes to introduce mathematical vocabulary. Learning had concrete objects to work with.

In July 2022, children formed close relationships with staff and shared resources during pretend play. Adults knew their interests and care needs, while children practised independence through handwashing and managing personal care.

Weekly chat books connected home and playgroup in July 2022, sharing children's learning and inviting contributions about home experiences. Parents' evenings provided assessment updates. Together, these offered both regular exchanges and a fuller discussion of development.

At that time, staff exchanged observations promptly when a child became unwell. Team training supported a shared understanding of practice, and staff meetings included wellbeing. Snacks and opportunities for exercise were also part of the July 2022 day.

The address is Cantelupe Centre, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5HY. Opening hours are 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure during school holidays. The term-time calendar is a central practical consideration for families organising childcare around work.

In July 2022, the playgroup provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Teaching and group engagement. At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted asked for more effective curriculum delivery and better organisation of older children's larger-group activities. These were two specific priorities, concerning both what children learned and whether they stayed involved.
• Term-time attendance. The playgroup closes during school holidays and finishes at 2.30pm. Families need arrangements that fit that calendar and afternoon finish.
• The activity group your child would join. With 30 places across the setting, ask during a visit how children are grouped and how the larger activities are organised now.

Cantelupe merits consideration for families whose childcare needs fit term-time opening and an afternoon finish. Its July 2022 examples give the clearest sense of its character: practical exploration, conversation and opportunities to become more independent. The dated teaching priorities deserve attention alongside those strengths.