Ashbeach Pre-School

A small dustpan, children washing their own cups and a Sniffle Station for wiping noses give Ashbeach Pre-School a practical character: independence is learnt through ordinary tasks. These were features of daily life in September 2025, rather than abstract ambitions about preparing children for school.

At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good overall, with the same grade across education, behaviour, personal development and leadership. Children attending then were aged 2 to 4. The setting is based at Ashbeach Primary School in Ramsey St Mary's.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, linking play and everyday routines with their development. In September 2025, counting the children during group time and matching the total to a written numeral brought mathematics into the routine.

Physical activity used several spaces that month. The school running track offered room for energetic movement, while hoops and larger equipment in the pre-school garden supported crawling, jumping and climbing. Threading pasta onto pipe cleaners gave children a different challenge, requiring careful hand movements.

In September 2025, an interest in insects prompted searches in the school's forest area. Children also sorted waste for recycling and harvested carrots from the garden to share. These experiences connected learning with things children could investigate and handle themselves.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, positive progress in communication and targeted help for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), developed with parents and other professionals. That combination matters for families whose children need support to communicate or participate.

In September 2025, staff used signing, pictures and visual schedules to support communication; stories included props, and group activities were shaped around individual needs. Adults responded gently when children had difficulty settling and listened to their choices about play. Staff shared developmental assessments with parents, helping connect support at home and in the setting.

Health learning that month included practising toothbrushing on oversized plastic teeth and discussing dental visits. Parents donated healthy snacks. Children also learnt to recognise hazards, giving safety a practical place in their activities.

The address is Ashbeach Primary School, Ashbeach Drove, Ramsey St Mary's, PE26 2TG. In September 2025, opening hours were 9am to 3pm on weekdays during school terms, and eligible children could receive funded early education.

School preparation was part of the September 2025 account, with parents describing support for the skills children would need next. Attendance at this pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place at Ashbeach Primary School.

• Teaching supervision. In September 2025, staff supervision needed a sharper emphasis on improving teaching. Ask how meetings now translate into changes in children's learning experiences.
• Term-time routine. The September 2025 opening pattern followed school terms and ended at 3pm. How would the current attendance arrangement fit your working day and holiday childcare needs?

Ashbeach suits families drawn to practical independence, outdoor activity and preparation for the next stage of learning. Its September 2025 provision combined everyday responsibilities with communication support and hands-on exploration. The teaching-supervision improvement point deserves attention alongside those strengths, especially for parents weighing how staff develop their practice.