Pelican Preschool

Firefighter role-play gives Pelican Preschool a clear example of learning shaped around children's interests. In October 2024, children's interest in firefighters prompted staff to supply books and set up a pretend fire station for imaginative games.

At its 17 October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that close work with other professionals supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to make good progress.

Pelican Preschool has 32 places in total at Earl Shilton Methodist Church in Earl Shilton. Its address is Wood Street, Leicester LE9 7ND. Children attending in October 2024 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the October 2024 examples included learning through imaginative play, conversation, books and outdoor activity.

Language teaching was practical. In October 2024, adults demonstrated scooping in sand while repeating the corresponding word, linking vocabulary to an action children could copy. Books and stories gave children further opportunities to listen and develop an interest in reading. Group stories needed better organisation, however, because some children struggled to sustain attention and interrupted others' learning.

Outside, children practised climbing, running and balancing. The outdoor area gave them space to explore and develop physical coordination. Indoors, pretend cooking encouraged children to choose equipment and organise their own play.

In October 2024, staff reassured children who were new to the preschool and planned learning around individual interests and next steps. Development checks helped adults identify children needing additional help, with parents and professionals involved in planning support.

Communication included photographs, conversations and opportunities for parents to see learning journals. That gave families several ways to follow what their child was doing.

Mealtimes in October 2024 included adults talking with children, encouraging them to pour drinks and discussing healthy foods. Preparation for school also involved everyday independence: using the toilet, washing hands and finding a tissue.

In October 2024, the preschool operated in the Methodist church hall on weekdays during school terms. Sessions ran from 8.45am to 2.45pm, making the attendance pattern relevant to families organising care around the school calendar.

At that time, government-funded places were offered for children aged two, three and four. This is an inspection-era account of attendance and funding.

• Behaviour expectations. In October 2024, reminders about handling equipment differed between indoor and outdoor play, sometimes contributing to small disagreements. Consistent boundaries were an improvement priority.
• Group story times. Organisation of group activities was another October 2024 improvement priority. Children who found longer listening periods difficult did not always benefit fully, and others' learning could be interrupted.
• Attendance planning. The October 2024 pattern was term-time sessions ending at 2.45pm. What attendance and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?

Pelican Preschool's October 2024 picture suits families seeking term-time preschool sessions, with interest-led play, practical language activities and opportunities to build independence. The balance is clear: individual learning and parent communication had concrete substance, while behaviour expectations and group activities needed greater consistency.