Butterflies Pre-School & Priory Kids

Language, independence and familiar relationships give Butterflies Pre-School & Priory Kids its clearest character in November 2022: children joined in songs, practised new words and took small steps towards doing things for themselves. At its 24 November 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and found safeguarding effective.

Based at Priory Primary School in Kingston upon Hull, the setting has 52 places in total. Children attending in November 2022 were aged 1 to 10; that describes attendance at that time. Its current opening hours are 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, communication and growing independence belong together in the nursery day. In November 2022, children could choose activities indoors and outside, while staff planned around their interests and assessed what they could already do. More capable children received targeted challenges.

Conversation was woven into play in November 2022. Adults repeated unfamiliar words and encouraged children to try them, while spontaneous singing became an opportunity to join in together. Counting songs also featured, but everyday play offered too few opportunities to explore mathematical language and solve problems. This was the specific improvement priority.

Small practical tasks added substance to independence in November 2022. Children helped prepare fruit, poured drinks and attempted to remove and hang up their coats after outdoor play. Action songs and morning movement brought physical activity into the routine.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities progressed well from their starting points, with staff involving parents and external professionals when additional help was needed. Chatterbox sessions supplied additional support, including while children awaited formal intervention.

In November 2022, key persons offered reassurance and helped children express their feelings. Staff guided sharing and turn-taking gently, recognising patience and good manners. These were concrete ways of helping children manage relationships.

An online system helped parents follow their child's day in November 2022, alongside updates about development. Preparation for school included using the toilet independently and developing pencil control: practical skills that support the next stage of learning.

The address is Priory Primary School, Priory Road, Kingston upon Hull, HU5 5RU. Opening is term-time only, with school holidays closed; families needing continuity through the holidays should weigh that calendar carefully.

In November 2022, the preschool provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Attendance here does not guarantee a Reception place at Priory Primary School.

• Everyday mathematics. November 2022 brought an improvement priority around mathematical vocabulary and problem-solving during ordinary activities. On a visit, ask how these now feature in play.
• Additional support. Chatterbox sessions were used in November 2022, including for children awaiting formal intervention. Ask how support would be planned for your child's needs today.
• Term-time calendar. The setting closes during school holidays. This suits families whose childcare needs follow the school year, but requires a separate holiday arrangement where care is needed throughout the year.

Butterflies suits families seeking term-time childcare, with a November 2022 account that gives useful detail about language, key-person relationships and everyday independence. The Good judgement provides a dated assessment, while mathematics remains the clear area to explore. The school-site address offers a familiar educational setting, but attendance carries no guarantee of a Reception place.