Hanwell Bunnies Pre-school Playgroup

Independence, conversation and outdoor play shaped Hanwell Bunnies Pre-school Playgroup's day in October 2023. Based at Hanwell Methodist Church Hall in London, it has 34 places in total. At its October 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall, found safeguarding effective and recognised effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

That dated picture offers useful detail: children chose activities confidently, sought familiar adults for help and practised managing everyday tasks themselves. It also carries two clear improvement points, concerning specific praise and mathematical learning.

In October 2023, activities followed children's interests, with different learning aims matched to their development. Children contributed ideas rather than simply following adult instructions. The early years foundation stage is the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the emphasis at that time was on communication and growing independence through everyday play.

Conversation ran through activities. Staff introduced words from children's home languages and used shared languages to help those learning English participate. However, opportunities to bring counting and numbers into these exchanges were sometimes missed.

A large, secure outdoor space supported daily play in October 2023. Water activities, chasing games and bikes gave children different ways to be active. This was a practical counterweight to conversation and group activities indoors.

At the October 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that SEND support included plans developed with parents and programmes from healthcare professionals incorporated into daily care. This connected additional support with the child's ordinary day rather than treating it as a separate activity.

In October 2023, familiar staff provided points of reassurance, and adults helped children discuss feelings and resolve disagreements over resources. Praise needed more precision: children were sometimes unsure which action had earned an adult's approval.

Daily photographs and accompanying comments kept parents connected with activities at that time. Coffee mornings, festivals and celebrations also brought families into playgroup life. These offered opportunities for contact beyond the daily exchange of information.

The address is Hanwell Methodist Church Hall, Church Road, London W7 1DJ.

In October 2023, opening hours were 9.15am to 12.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Children attending then were aged two to four, and the playgroup received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements, rather than a promise about today's attendance or funding terms.

• Mathematics in everyday play. In October 2023, chances to extend counting and number skills were missed during conversation. This matters for families looking for mathematical learning within ordinary activities.
• Praise children can understand. The October 2023 improvement action called for praise tied to the child's actual behaviour. Clear feedback helps children understand what to repeat.
• The attendance fit. The October 2023 pattern was term-time opening during the morning. At a visit, what attendance and funding arrangement would apply to your child's age and intended start date?

Hanwell Bunnies suits families who value child-led choices, everyday independence and contact with familiar adults. Its October 2023 picture gives those priorities concrete substance through outdoor play, parent communication and individual support plans. The morning, term-time arrangement recorded then also points towards families seeking a shorter preschool day. Mathematical opportunities and clearer praise remain the two improvement priorities from that visit.