Vernon Pre-School Playgroup

Storytelling that becomes construction, and garden play that becomes an investigation: these are the clearest pictures of Vernon Pre-School Playgroup in May 2022. Children recreated Three Little Pigs with blocks and paper, then considered the dimensions their house needed. Play gave them something concrete to discuss.

At its May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the playgroup Good and found that its planned learning supported children's progress and preparation for their next stage. Vernon has capacity for 36 children at its Bow address. Children attending in May 2022 were aged two to three; that is a dated picture of the group.

In May 2022, learning combined stories, songs and practical exploration. The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, its inspection-era examples included language through storytelling, physical activity outside and learning about nature in the garden.

Magnifying glasses helped children investigate minibeasts, comparing how different creatures moved and what they needed to grow. Wooden beams and crates became an obstacle course that children assembled together. A slide, running and jumping added other ways to practise movement. These examples gave children reasons to talk, make decisions and cooperate.

Hand movements received attention too. In May 2022, children traced shapes in sand, operated buttons and transferred water between containers. The weakness was taking these experiences further into early writing: children needed more chances to practise it. That distinction matters for families weighing playful learning alongside preparation for later learning.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language effective, with staff using advice from other professionals.

Everyday independence was part of care in May 2022. Children practised getting dressed, managing toileting and cleaning their hands, while adults demonstrated safe ways to cut fruit and explained coughing hygiene. Staff responded warmly during nappy changes, and healthy snacks provided time for conversation.

Communication also responded to parents' interests that May. Information and a newsletter addressed healthy eating, dental care and toilet training after families requested help with these subjects. Sharing books and stories connected learning at the playgroup with home.

The address is 29 Vernon Road, Bow, London E3 5HQ.

In May 2022, opening hours were 8.45am to 11.45am and 12.15pm to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. These were two separate opening windows. At that time, the playgroup received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Early writing. In May 2022, opportunities to extend hand-strengthening activities into writing needed attention. Look for how mark-making now develops beyond the sand and water activities described then.
• Attendance fit. The May 2022 timetable had separate morning and afternoon opening windows during term time. What ages, attendance arrangements and funded provision can the playgroup offer your child now?
• Outdoor challenge. Children built obstacle courses from beams and crates in May 2022. A visit can explore how that combination of physical challenge and cooperative play works today.

Vernon's May 2022 picture will appeal to parents who value conversation, practical exploration and growing independence. Story construction and garden investigations gave substance to those priorities. The early-writing shortfall deserves attention alongside the positive judgement. Families considering either a morning or afternoon routine have a useful historical timetable to weigh, rather than a basis for assuming today's attendance arrangements.