GattenandLake Childcare

Butterflies approaching release and towers built with friends give GattenandLake Childcare’s inspection-era picture its character: practical exploration, conversation and learning to share. Based at Gatten and Lake County Primary School in Shanklin, it has 38 places in total.

At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), made good progress. Children attending then were aged 2 to 11, across preschool and school-age provision.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children’s learning and care, with play supporting language, relationships and understanding of the world. In June 2024, practical experiences gave those expectations concrete expression: children discussed the changes from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly while preparing for release.

Brick play brought counting and comparisons of height into children’s play. Older children let younger companions choose their bricks first, combining mathematical exploration with turn-taking. Soil and water play introduced words for texture, giving toddlers something tangible to connect with new vocabulary.

There was room for greater ambition. The June 2024 inspection identified two priorities: helping staff specify each child’s next learning steps more clearly, and stretching older children and those ready for harder tasks.

In June 2024, staff adapted their support for younger children and those who needed more confidence to settle. Key-person knowledge of children’s interests and abilities informed activity planning, making individual relationships useful beyond reassurance alone.

Picture prompts helped children express what they wanted or needed, while additional funding supported individual adult help where needed. Staff also shared daily experiences and achievements with families, alongside practical suggestions about toilet training and mealtime routines. Parents supplied lunchtime food at that time.

The address is Gatten and Lake County Primary School, Oaklyn Gardens, Shanklin, PO37 7DG.

In June 2024, preschool opening hours were 8.50am to 2.50pm on weekdays during term time. Before-school care ran from 8am to 8.50am, and after-school care from 3pm to 6pm; a holiday club also operated. Funded early education was offered for children aged two, three and four at that time.

The school-site setting does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Challenge for older children. Extending learning for older children and those ready for more demanding tasks was a June 2024 improvement priority. Ask how staff now build that challenge into play.
• Individual next steps. Clearer staff understanding of what each child should learn next was the other June 2024 priority. A visit can explore how key-person observations shape activities.
• Attendance planning. The June 2024 pattern combined term-time preschool, before-school and after-school care, and a holiday club. Which of these patterns would fit your child’s current age and your working week?

The inspection-era picture suits families seeking term-time preschool or before-school and after-school care, with practical learning and individual communication support prominent in the account. The balance is clear: engaging everyday experiences, alongside specific work needed on learning intentions and challenge for older children.