Newstead Road Pre-School

Snails, story sacks and pasta necklaces characterised Newstead Road Pre-School's May 2023 inspection: practical activities followed children's interests and were adapted when tasks proved difficult. This is a small setting in Lewisham, with capacity for 33 children.

At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found good progress among children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children attending then were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection period.

In May 2023, children's interest in snails prompted an investigation station, where magnifying glasses helped them look closely and discuss caring for living things. Bead threading exercised coordination; switching to pasta necklaces made the activity more manageable for children who struggled.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and practical skill-building together. In May 2023, making play dough involved measuring ingredients, choosing additions and taking turns. Adults gave children time to answer questions and offered individual help when needed.

Story sacks linked reading with conversation in May 2023, with contributions from parents and a visiting local librarian. We're Going on a Bear Hunt led some children towards drawing story characters and others towards books about real bears. The same starting point supported different interests.

In May 2023, children had close relationships with staff, who knew them well. Parents received developmental feedback and manageable suggestions for learning at home, giving them concrete ways to continue activities beyond the setting.

Outdoor play also supported independence in May 2023. Children helped themselves to drinking water, recognised when they needed warmer clothing and practised personal hygiene. Families supplied packed lunches, with staff helping parents consider healthy choices and more complex dietary needs.

The address is Compton House, 6 Birch Grove, London SE12 0SU.

In May 2023, opening hours were 8.45am to 3pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to 12.45pm on Friday, during term time. These were opening hours rather than named booking sessions. At that time, the setting received early-education funding for three- and four-year-olds.

• Adult interaction. In May 2023, some staff missed chances to develop children's play and talked with adults instead. On a visit, look for practitioners joining activities and extending children's ideas.
• Behaviour explanations. In May 2023, corrections sometimes stopped at saying no or prompting an apology. Ask how staff now help children understand the effect of their actions on others.
• Attendance and lunch. The May 2023 pattern combined term-time opening with a shorter Friday and family-provided lunches. One practical question before joining is whether the current attendance and lunch arrangements fit your household.

Newstead Road Pre-School merits consideration for families who value practical play, language activities and close communication with staff. Its May 2023 picture suits parents drawn to interest-led experiences and opportunities for children to practise independence. The two improvement priorities matter: adult involvement and thoughtful behaviour guidance deserve attention alongside those strengths.