Killisick Pre-School

Conkers for counting, fruit to peel for friends and a coat to put on independently: practical learning gives Killisick Pre-School its character. At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall, with Outstanding leadership and management, and found effective safeguarding, strong SEND support and good progress from children's starting points.

Based at Coppice Farm Primary, Laver Close, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7LS, the pre-school has 30 places in total. Children attending in September 2025 were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection snapshot.

In September 2025, children chose activities indoors and outside, with resources arranged around their interests and development. They practised dressing themselves, serving food and pouring drinks. These small responsibilities gave independence a practical purpose.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play supports communication, physical skills and understanding of the world. In September 2025, adults expanded conversations through signing and new vocabulary. Conkers and pine cones became materials for patterns, shapes and counting, linking mathematical ideas to objects children could handle.

Gardening, cooking and sessions combining movement with music also featured that month. Links with a local elderly care home gave children opportunities to practise consideration for others. Projects, visitors and charity activities extended learning beyond the immediate play space.

In September 2025, key-person relationships helped children settle and explore confidently. Adults listened to children's ideas and used calm guidance to support sharing and turn-taking. Settling arrangements were adapted to families, while home learning activity bags, information packs and workshops connected learning with home.

Support that month included individual adult help and external support for children with SEND. Translation tools and pictures helped children learning English alongside another language. A family culture wheel gathered information about children's backgrounds, complemented by photographs and a world map display; celebrations were adjusted to respect families' identities.

Leaders supported staff through training in emotional coaching, mathematics and fine motor development. However, in September 2025, curriculum delivery did not consistently meet individual children's needs. More consistent adaptation was the improvement required, and it matters alongside the positive account of relationships and inclusion.

In September 2025, the pre-school operated on weekdays during term time, with session times of 8.50am to 3.35pm. This was a school-term timetable rather than year-round attendance, an important distinction for families planning holiday care.

Funded early education for children aged two, three and four was provided that month. The pre-school's base at Coppice Farm Primary does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Individual learning. Greater consistency in adapting the curriculum to each child was required in September 2025. At a visit, ask how staff translate a child's next steps into everyday activities.
• Term-time planning. The September 2025 timetable covered weekdays in school terms. Families needing holiday childcare should weigh that pattern against their working year.
• Attendance and costs. When discussing a place at Killisick, ask which booking arrangements now apply and request a written quotation covering private hours, meals and consumables.

Killisick suits families who value practical independence, communication and links between home and pre-school learning. Its September 2025 account offers concrete examples, from counting with natural materials to adapting settling arrangements. Families seeking a term-time weekday routine have a useful starting point here; consistency in individual curriculum delivery remains the central question to explore.