Little Goblins Preschool

In November 2023, pretend keyboards, microphones and a quiet zone supported both shared play and time to pause at Little Goblins Preschool. This London setting has 22 places in total. At its 17 November 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall.

In November 2023, the children attending were aged two to four. Language, friendships and growing independence shaped their experiences, with activities that let children develop their own ideas alongside others. The quieter children’s participation remains an important consideration for parents.

In November 2023, children could reach resources themselves and draw friends into imaginative games, including pretending to perform with keyboards and microphones. That gave them opportunities to initiate play rather than wait for an adult to organise it.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children’s learning, development and care; here, play opportunities included conversation, counting and learning to take turns. In November 2023, What's in the Bag activities encouraged children to identify objects, make animal sounds and discuss where animals might be found. Staff adapted the conversation to the children taking part.

Sand timers helped children manage turns with shared resources. Activities also marked the Lunar New Year, Remembrance Day and St Patrick's Day, introducing different traditions and communities. However, in November 2023, some children had fewer chances to explore their own language, background or traditions. Broadening those opportunities was an improvement priority.

At the November 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, described successful collaboration between the special educational needs coordinator, families and professionals, and judged that children made good progress from their starting points.

In November 2023, key persons knew children well, and information exchanged with parents helped staff shape activities around children’s experiences. Additional sensory experiences and targeted language teaching were among the ways provision was adapted to individual needs.

A quiet zone gave children somewhere to seek calm or rest. Staff and parents worked together on toilet training, while everyday routines included handwashing, managing tissues and brushing teeth after lunch. These were practical opportunities to develop self-care. Occasionally, though, quieter or less confident children received less adult attention: improving staff teaching so those children participated more fully was the other improvement priority.

The address is Little Goblins, 17 Newmarket Green, London SE9 5ER.

In November 2023, opening hours were 8.45am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. At that date, the setting received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements for families to weigh alongside their childcare needs.

• Quieter children. In November 2023, some less confident children occasionally received less attention. Ask how practitioners now draw these children into learning and shared activities.
• Identity and traditions. The November 2023 improvement priorities included giving children more opportunities to explore what makes them individual. Discuss how your child’s home language and family traditions would enter their day.
• Attendance and funding. The November 2023 arrangements were term-time opening and early education funding. What attendance and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?

Little Goblins Preschool’s November 2023 profile suits families who value imaginative play, language development and practical independence within a term-time preschool routine. The quiet zone and adaptable group activities add useful substance to that picture. Participation deserves equal attention: quieter children’s involvement and recognition of each child’s background were the two areas requiring further work.