Little Stars Pre-School

Yoga in the hall, sand rolling through a plastic drainpipe and visits to the local library give Little Stars Pre-School a recognisable character in its November 2022 inspection account. Play linked movement, conversation and practical exploration. The strongest examples were simple experiences with a clear purpose.

Little Stars has capacity for 26 children aged two to five at 14 Station Road, Earl Shilton. At its November 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. That dated judgement provides a useful starting point, alongside two specific areas for improvement.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the November 2022 examples included counting during construction, talking about paintings and exploring quantities through sand play. These connected learning with things children could handle and investigate.

In November 2022, children used the hall for yoga, stretching and copying animal movements. Painting gave older children practice controlling a brush while discussing spiders and bees. Building a tower involved coordination and taking turns, as well as counting.

Community experiences also featured in November 2022. Shopping visits introduced buying food, library visits encouraged interest in books, and soft-play outings offered physical challenges. Celebrations included Chinese New Year and Diwali, giving children opportunities to learn about other people's beliefs. These were examples from that period, rather than a current activity timetable.

In November 2022, staff exchanged information with parents about learning and daily experiences, helping families continue activities at home. They also learnt about children's experiences outside the setting and used that knowledge when planning further experiences.

Self-care had a practical place in the day that November. Children poured water, ate independently and washed their hands before food; younger children attempted tasks before receiving help. These small responsibilities supported preparation for school.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted identified occasions when adults intervened before older children could work out solutions, and insufficient interaction with younger children who preferred playing alone. Both findings matter: independence needs time, while a child playing quietly may still need an adult to extend their learning.

The address is 14 Station Road, Earl Shilton, Leicester, LE9 7GA. Opening hours are 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In November 2022, the pre-school provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is an inspection-era account of participation, rather than a current funding arrangement.

• Independent problem-solving. In November 2022, adults sometimes supplied the next step too quickly. On a visit, ask how staff now give older children time to test their own ideas.
• Children who play alone. The November 2022 finding concerned insufficient adult interaction with younger children choosing solitary play. Ask how practitioners recognise when quiet play needs further support.
• The daily window. Opening hours end at 3.30pm on weekdays. Families needing care later in the afternoon should weigh that finish against their working day.

Little Stars merits consideration for families seeking care for children aged two to five within a weekday window ending at 3.30pm. Its November 2022 account contains useful examples of physical activity, community experiences and growing independence. The two improvement points make adult timing and attention the most useful subjects to explore on a visit.