IMPs Pre-School

Outdoor movement and support for the whole family give IMPs Pre-School its character. In January 2024, children climbed, rode toys and played with hoops outside, while staff helped families with settling and children's growing independence.

At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective. The setting has 20 places in total. Children attending in January 2024 were aged two to four; the account below describes their experience at that time.

In January 2024, learning emphasised communication and the foundations children need before tackling more complex tasks. Conversations about stormy weather and birds brought explanations into everyday exchanges. Funded outings to a nearby puppet theatre added experiences beyond the setting.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its practical expression in January 2024 included speaking and listening, physical play and tasks that developed independence. Older children handled tweezers and glue spreaders, practising movements useful for dressing, writing and using cutlery.

Outdoor play happened daily in January 2024. Ride-on toys, hoops and a slide gave children different ways to move, while a game imitating strong winds connected physical activity with their recent experience of the weather. Stories, poems, songs and rhymes needed a more consistent place in sessions alongside the everyday conversation.

A welcome visit followed by gradual entry was the settling arrangement in January 2024. That gave new children time to become familiar with the setting rather than starting with an abrupt change of routine. Staff also explained safety rules in concrete terms, including why pen lids could cause choking.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) received effective support, with the special educational needs coordinator working with families and other agencies. This included participation in multi-agency meetings and sharing information to help children receive appropriate help.

In January 2024, staff supplied breakfast with fruit and wholemeal toast, and children brought lunch boxes. Handwashing, toothbrushing and work with parents on toilet training connected care routines with preparation for the next stage of education.

The address is The Portakabin in Broadley Street Gardens, London NW8 8BN.

In January 2024, opening hours were 8.30am to 3pm on weekdays during term time. At that time, the setting received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four.

• Language opportunities. In January 2024, giving stories, poems, rhymes and songs a consistent place in every session was an improvement priority. Ask how these now fit into the daily routine.
• Lunch-box nutrition. Helping every family understand healthy food choices was also a January 2024 improvement priority. Lunch preparation matters here because children brought their own lunch boxes.

IMPs merits consideration by families who value outdoor activity, gradual settling and practical work on children's independence. Its January 2024 experience combined daily movement with close family involvement and support through other agencies. The balance to weigh is equally concrete: everyday conversation was a strength of the learning activities, while regular engagement with stories and rhymes needed greater consistency.