The Preschool Group

In September 2025, play dough, shared stories and encouragement to use home languages shaped children's experience at The Preschool Group. Based at St Philip's Church Hall in Leicester, it has 26 places in total. At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good overall.

The children attending that visit were aged two to three. The strongest examples concerned conversation, creative play and practical independence, with a clear improvement priority around activities using larger movements.

In September 2025, children chose activities in an organised hall, while staff joined their play at child level. The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: here, stories, creative play and everyday routines provided opportunities to practise language and independence.

Book-sharing involved questions and demonstrations of new words, giving children something to respond to rather than simply listening. Play dough brought together hand movements, pattern-making and imaginative food preparation. Children talked about flavour and smell as they made pretend food for friends.

Outside, chalk drawing combined control of small movements with conversations about shape and size. The balance needed attention: sessions did not consistently include enough activities to develop larger movements. That matters alongside the opportunities for drawing and shaping dough.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and identified visual prompts, signing and gestures as support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those beginning to learn English.

During that month, staff encouraged children to speak their home languages, helping familiar language remain part of play. Key persons gave parents progress updates, alongside daily accounts of activities and wellbeing. Ideas for home activities connected learning across the two settings.

Practical independence included handwashing, managing tissues and opening lunch containers. Sharing and turn-taking also helped prepare children for their next stage of learning. Staff supervised meals closely and checked food preparation to reduce choking risks.

The address is St Philip's Church Hall, Evington Road, Leicester LE2 1QJ.

In September 2025, attendance operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 9am to 3.30pm. That pattern fitted the term-time calendar rather than year-round attendance.

At that time, the preschool provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This funding provision is separate from the ages of the children attending the inspection visit.

• Larger movements. Planning for large motor development was the September 2025 improvement priority. During a visit, ask how the session now includes activities that develop these skills.
• Term-time planning. The September 2025 attendance pattern followed term time. Families needing care through holidays should weigh that calendar against their requirements.
• Joining arrangements. How would settling and the attendance pattern work for your child at this church-hall preschool?

The September 2025 picture suits families who value conversation, creative play and everyday independence within a term-time preschool session. Home-language encouragement and practical communication with parents add substance to that picture. Planning for larger movements is the specific point to explore before deciding.