University of Cumbria Pre-School Centre

In November 2023, a squirrel at a low windowsill and stories acted out outdoors gave University of Cumbria Pre-School Centre its character: everyday encounters became starting points for learning. The centre has capacity for 80 children, on Bowerham Road in Lancaster.

At its November 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found that children progressed well across their learning. Children aged 0 to 4 attended at that time. The strongest examples combined conversation, imaginative play and practical challenges, although curriculum development needed more consistent implementation.

In November 2023, the early years foundation stage framed children's learning and care: play, conversation and practical activities supported their development. Staff built activities around children's interests and what they needed to learn next. Babies watched a squirrel feeding beside a low windowsill, with adults talking through its movements to hold their attention.

Lola the Listening Leopard was a story character used to develop learning skills, with the stories continuing as children moved through the centre. A comfortable reading space encouraged shared books; outdoors, children performed We're Going on a Bear Hunt, joining in with its repeated language. These gave listening and vocabulary a practical purpose.

Physical activity also had detail. During November 2023, spray bottles and paper cutters exercised small hand movements, while outdoor beams and tunnels challenged balance and body control. Toddlers received reminders about blowing bubbles, helping them return to an earlier skill when an activity proved difficult.

At the November 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities successful, with early identification, adapted teaching and collaboration with other agencies. These findings matter for families whose children need support tailored to their development.

In November 2023, staff used Makaton signing to help communication, including with children learning English as an additional language. Adults talked through disagreements and helped children find a way forward. Children also chose resources independently, giving them opportunities to make decisions during play.

Family communication received attention that November: leaders listened to parents and adjusted how they kept in touch. Staff also discussed food and health with children, connecting milk with bone health. This brought simple ideas about caring for the body into everyday conversation.

The address is Bowerham Road, Lancaster, LA1 3JD. In November 2023, the centre operated Monday to Friday over 48 weeks, with sessions running from 8am to 6pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Curriculum follow-through. In November 2023, development plans had only been partly put into practice, leaving small gaps. This qualifies the otherwise positive account of learning.
• Communication support. Makaton signing formed part of practice in November 2023. Families whose children use signing have a concrete example to discuss when considering how communication support would work for them.
• Attendance arrangements. The November 2023 sessions spanned 8am to 6pm. Which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family's week now?

This centre suits families who value conversation-rich play, outdoor physical activity and stories that children can act out. Its November 2023 practice offers concrete reasons for that interest. The dated session pattern also makes it relevant to families considering weekday daytime care, while the curriculum implementation concern deserves attention alongside the Good judgement.