Anglo-Russian Pre-School

Russian and English shaped the day at Anglo-Russian Pre-School in July 2022: songs, conversation and teacher-led English lessons gave both languages a place in children's learning. At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found strong support for language and communication. That bilingual emphasis is the clearest reason for families to consider this setting.

Based at Abbey Road Baptist Church in London, the pre-school has 30 places in total and caters for children aged 24 to 60 months. It operates during term time, with school-holiday closures.

The early years foundation stage sets out requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing communication and physical development into everyday activities. In July 2022, activities put those strands together: discussion of water containers introduced vocabulary about full and empty, building with bricks prompted discussion of height, and songs combined movement with language.

During that month, children could select activities themselves or join staff-led groups. Morning exercise provided a regular opportunity to move, but children could choose something else while staff continued to supervise them. The routine allowed individual preferences to matter.

English lessons for older children supported preparation for school. Visiting teachers also contributed music, Russian and ballet, extending the experiences beyond the usual staff-led activities. These are features of the July 2022 provision.

Children also explored Chinese New Year and World Book Day in July 2022's account of their learning. Alongside discussions about summer and holidays, these events brought experiences beyond the setting into conversation. Songs used puppets and gestures, giving children more than spoken words to help them understand.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and effective collaboration with parents. Staff understood individual children's needs, making that support personal rather than simply a group arrangement.

In July 2022, staff welcomed children in their home language and listened to what they wanted to communicate. Daily safety checks and refreshed first-aid training formed part of the care arrangements. Children could seek adult help during activities, including when identifying letters in English lessons.

Routine moments needed more attention. In July 2022, lunchtime did not consistently give children enough opportunity to develop conversation and independence; staff development also needed extending so the team could work more confidently when the manager was absent.

The address is Abbey Road Baptist Church, 16a Abbey Road, London NW8 9BD. Opening hours are 09:00 to 18:00 on Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 15:00 on Friday, during term time.

The school-holiday closure is a significant planning point for families whose working year extends beyond term dates.

• Bilingual learning. Russian and English were central in July 2022. At a visit, how are the two languages used with children at different stages of understanding?
• Everyday independence. Conversation and self-help during routines needed greater consistency in July 2022. Ask how lunchtime now encourages children to speak and do things for themselves.
• Attendance planning. Term-time opening and an earlier Friday finish shape the working week. What booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family?

Anglo-Russian Pre-School merits consideration for families seeking a Russian-English setting and whose childcare needs fit term dates. Its Good July 2022 judgement gives a positive inspection position, while the practical test is how today's provision handles everyday independence and sustains the bilingual experiences described then.