Swallows Nest Pre-School

An interest in Red Arrows aircraft became a lesson in recognising aeroplane parts at Swallows Nest Pre-School. That July 2023 example captures an approach built around children's interests, with conversation woven into play.

At its July 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. The pre-school has 24 places in total at St George's Church Community Hall in Lincoln; children attending in July 2023 were aged two to four.

In July 2023, communication shaped the learning programme. Staff used books to extend children's curiosity about aircraft, while spaghetti play created an opportunity to practise sharing. These were everyday experiences with a purpose: developing vocabulary and learning to play alongside others.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2023 examples included practical independence: children organised their belongings and poured drinks at snack time. Song activities brought children together to copy movements, although quieter children sometimes needed help to participate that staff did not recognise.

In July 2023, home visits helped staff and families get acquainted before children started. Picture booklets showing the pre-school gave families something concrete to explore together. These arrangements made preparation personal rather than leaving everything to the first session.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff supported children learning English by using words from their home languages, and worked with parents and professionals on delayed speech. Teachers visited before children moved to school, and staff passed on information about their learning and personalities.

In July 2023, children tried different fruits, and additional funding helped provide toothbrushes and toothpaste for use at home. Movement between the building and garden involved walking around the car park: children walked in pairs, with staff positioned ahead and behind.

The address is St George's Church Community Hall, Eastbrook Road, Lincoln, LN6 7EP.

In July 2023, attendance ran during school terms on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with sessions from 8.30am to 4pm. Funded early education covered children aged two, three and four at that time. Children brought snacks and lunch boxes, giving families responsibility for those parts of the day.

• Quieter children. In July 2023, staff sometimes missed quieter children who were not joining in group activities. Ask how practitioners now recognise and help a child who hangs back.
• Shared childcare. In July 2023, learning information was not exchanged with every other nursery children attended. Families combining settings should discuss how that communication now works.
• Attendance planning. The July 2023 pattern excluded Wednesdays and school holidays. Which attendance arrangements and funded-hours terms would apply to your child now?

Swallows Nest Pre-School suits families who value learning shaped by children's interests and personal preparation for starting pre-school. Its July 2023 strengths included language development, practical independence and home visits. The same dated assessment makes participation for quieter children and communication across childcare settings important points to explore.