St John's Preschool Playgroup

Woodworking tools, balance beams and a calmer space with torches give St John's Preschool Playgroup a practical character: children learn through handling things, moving and taking responsibility. These were features of daily life in March 2024. The setting has capacity for 24 children at Colwick Community Centre in Nottingham.

At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the playgroup Good and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four; independence, communication and friendships shaped the preparation for school.

In March 2024, children practised dressing themselves for outdoor play and jumped in puddles. Balance beams gave them opportunities to develop control, while adults explained how to handle woodworking tools safely. Hammering nails required careful coordination; younger children worked with pegs and boards.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing physical skills, communication and early understanding into the day. In March 2024, staff encouraged children to explain their thinking through questions and gave them time to respond. Comparing differently sized bears introduced mathematical language, while older children counted their friends.

A darkened area with lights and torches offered a calmer sensory experience in March 2024. Sand timers also made waiting for a turn more concrete. These resources offered a calmer space and helped children wait for a turn.

In March 2024, children turned to familiar adults for reassurance, and staff helped them recognise their feelings. Clear expectations supported routines: children helped tidy up and used a brush and dustpan after spilling sand. Care and responsibility were connected through everyday tasks.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress, supported by outside agencies, picture cards and signing. These tools helped children understand what would happen next and communicate before they could speak.

Information for newer parents needed improvement in March 2024. Staff did not consistently explain who the child's key person was, what learning would come next or how families could help at home. Staff coaching also needed strengthening so that practitioners requiring extra help received it.

The address is Colwick Community Centre, Vale Road, Colwick, Nottingham, NG4 2GP.

In March 2024, the playgroup operated Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions running from 8am to 4pm. It provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

School preparation included sharing information with local teachers in March 2024. This supported continuity as older children moved on, alongside work on dressing independently, communicating confidently and making friends.

• Communication with families. The March 2024 improvement point concerned key-person introductions and learning updates. Ask how these are now shared when a child starts.
• Consistency of teaching. Staff coaching required further development in March 2024. Understanding how practice is reviewed will help families assess the response.
• Term-time planning. The March 2024 timetable followed school terms. Families needing care through holidays should establish the current attendance arrangements before committing.

St John's suits families who value practical independence, physical play and support for communication. Its March 2024 experience combined hands-on activities with familiar adults and resources for children needing a calmer space. The important balancing points are the two improvement priorities: consistent teaching support and clearer information for parents.