Little Willows Pre-school

Rain-cloud experiments, a pretend shop and vegetables growing in the garden give Little Willows Pre-school a practical, hands-on character in its July 2023 account. Children explored ideas through everyday experiences, from handling pretend money to discovering what plants need to grow.

At its 3 July 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good and found safeguarding effective. Little Willows has 20 places in total. Its premises are at Walsham Primary School in Walsham-le-Willows, on Wattisfield Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 3BD. The children attending in July 2023 were aged 2 to 11.

In July 2023, learning brought science and mathematics into play. Children made model rain clouds with jars and cotton wool, while a fishing game gave staff opportunities to introduce counting and addition. These were concrete ways to explore ideas rather than simply hear explanations.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2023 examples included conversation, stories, imaginative play and outdoor exploration. Staff introduced vocabulary during activities and repeated children's speech with clear pronunciation, giving them another chance to hear unfamiliar words.

A role-play kitchen and shop let children recreate familiar routines in July 2023. They bought pretend food, used a till and packed baskets. Outside, the garden allowed different kinds of movement, while the forest school environment supported exploration of nature, solving problems and learning to handle risks. Planting seeds and growing vegetables connected that outdoor activity with discussions about water and sunlight.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective SEND support through the SENCo's work with other professionals, tailored teaching and care, and additional funding used for individual support, extra sessions and resources. That gives families a specific picture of how support operated at the time.

In July 2023, children had close relationships with calm staff, who listened to their experiences and modelled polite language. Staff addressed difficult behaviour and helped children understand acceptable conduct. Parents' evenings gave families opportunities to discuss their children's next steps.

Independence was the important qualification to this picture. In July 2023, children poured drinks and used the toilet themselves, but adults sometimes took over tasks children could attempt, including serving snacks and wiping noses. More opportunities to practise these everyday skills were the required improvement.

The July 2023 attendance pattern was Monday to Friday during term time. Preschool sessions ran from 8.45am to 2.45pm, with breakfast club from 8am to 8.45am and after-school club from 2.45pm to 5.30pm. These were different attendance patterns, rather than one undifferentiated opening window.

In July 2023, the pre-school provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Its premises were on the grounds of Walsham-le-Willows CEVC Primary School. Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Everyday independence. The July 2023 improvement concerned adults doing manageable tasks for children. On a visit, ask how snack routines now give children responsibility.
• Term-time planning. The July 2023 offer combined preschool sessions with breakfast and after-school clubs. How would the current booking arrangements fit your family's working days and school holidays?
• School-site expectations. Sharing the primary school's grounds does not secure a Reception place. Treat childcare and the school application as separate decisions.

Little Willows suits families drawn to practical play and outdoor learning, with a July 2023 attendance model serving preschool-day sessions, breakfast club and after-school club. Its Good judgement is balanced by a clear improvement point: children needed more chances to do everyday tasks themselves. That is a useful lens for a visit.