Chatterbox Pre-School

Books to take home and a garden divided between energetic play and quieter activities give Chatterbox Pre-School a recognisable character in its July 2022 account. Language and practical independence shaped the day. Based at United Reformed Church on Saffron Lane, Leicester, LE2 6TE, it has capacity for 45 children aged 24 to 60 months.

At its 7 July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective. The strengths came with two clear improvement priorities: reducing noise around older children and applying group-time boundaries more consistently.

In July 2022, communication was a central curriculum emphasis. During fun time, listening and speaking activities involved following instructions and naming other children; story discussions introduced unfamiliar vocabulary and explained its meaning. These were concrete opportunities to practise understanding and expressing ideas.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2022 examples included storytelling, exploring marks made by toy cars in sand and practising movement outdoors: learning through everyday play rather than a separate lesson for each skill.

Book Share allowed children to borrow books for reading with their parents in July 2022. It extended access to stories beyond the pre-school. The garden then separated riding tricycles and scooters from storytelling and imaginative activities, giving different kinds of play their own space.

Outdoor challenges included slides, stepping stones and routes over and beneath tables. In July 2022, these gave older children opportunities to practise balance and wait for a turn.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that staff worked with families and other professionals on targets for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), using additional funding effectively for individual support. Helping children join others in play was one practical example.

Relationships also featured in the July 2022 account: children sought physical reassurance from staff and shared stories with them. Independence was practised through hanging up bags and opening food packaging, while handwashing formed part of daily routines. The emphasis was on small, useful tasks children could attempt themselves.

Chatterbox operates at United Reformed Church, Saffron Lane, Leicester, LE2 6TE. It opens during term time, Monday to Friday, from 8.20am to 3.30pm, and closes for school holidays. That calendar is a substantial consideration for families arranging care throughout the year.

In July 2022, the pre-school employed 15 childcare staff and provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. These are dated details of its operation at that time.

• Older children's group times. In July 2022, excessive noise prevented children from hearing, and boundaries were not reinforced consistently. During a visit, ask how staff now keep these activities audible and expectations clear.
• Term-time attendance. School holidays are closure periods. Families needing care during those breaks should weigh that calendar against their working arrangements.
• Individual support. The July 2022 account included shared targets and support for joining other children's play. Ask how a plan would be agreed for your child's particular needs.

For families seeking term-time preschool care, Chatterbox's July 2022 account offers useful strengths: books shared with home, purposeful language activities and outdoor movement. Its older children's group routines deserve close attention. The dated Good judgement supports consideration, while the holiday calendar determines whether the practical arrangement fits.