Needingworth Community Pre-School

Tree climbing, log building and balancing on a tightrope gave Needingworth Community Pre-School's outdoor learning a clear identity in February 2022. Children had opportunities to test their balance, make things and persist when an activity proved difficult. Physical challenge was part of learning through play.

At its 2 February 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Outstanding and found that its curriculum and carefully timed adult support helped children develop independence and positive attitudes towards learning. The setting has 20 places in total; children attending in February 2022 were aged two to four.

In February 2022, the forest school area provided space for outdoor exploration: children tackled stepping stones, used scooters and practised balancing. Elsewhere, they arranged logs into structures for climbing or hiding beneath. Practitioners supported tree climbing and helped children work out how to descend safely, giving physical experimentation a practical boundary.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2022 examples show what learning through play could involve: building, movement, conversation and opportunities to manage everyday tasks.

Language learning also had a concrete shape that February. Practitioners introduced vocabulary and returned to earlier conversations to test understanding, including whether children remembered what hibernation meant. Revisiting an idea gave children a chance to explain it themselves rather than simply hear a new word once.

At the February 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements, successful support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and close monitoring that helped practitioners address gaps in development. Support involved families and other professionals, with additional funding directed towards children's individual needs.

In February 2022, adults modelled behaviour and helped children recognise and manage emotions. Children could identify a trusted practitioner they would approach when upset. They also practised independence at mealtimes by organising themselves and pouring drinks, while discussing healthy food.

Communication extended beyond daily care that February: practitioners had maintained contact with families during the pandemic and helped parents support learning at home. Staff development and supervision were part of the management arrangements.

The address is Mill Way, Needingworth, St Ives, PE27 4TF. In February 2022, the pre-school occupied a community room within the grounds of Holywell CofE Primary School.

That February, weekday opening hours were 8.50am to 11.50am and 12.20pm to 3.20pm during term time, with a daily lunch club between 11.50am and 12.20pm. Funded early education was provided for three- and four-year-olds at that time.

In February 2022, children made regular visits to the host school to become familiar with its spaces and teachers. These visits supported preparation for school; attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place, and families apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Outdoor challenge. The February 2022 activities included tree climbing and balancing on a tightrope. At a visit, ask how these experiences are adapted for a child's confidence and physical development.
• Attendance and costs. The February 2022 timetable was term-time based and included a lunch club. Ask for the current attendance options and a written quotation covering funded hours, meals and consumables.

For families who value outdoor experimentation, growing independence and practical preparation for school, the February 2022 picture offers clear reasons to consider Needingworth Community Pre-School. Its strongest examples are concrete: children building with logs, practising balance and explaining new vocabulary. The dated timetable also gives families a useful starting point for judging how pre-school attendance might fit their week.