Balderton Pre-School

Pipettes, measuring tubes and small acts of independence give Balderton Pre-School’s May 2023 account its character: children practised handling water, explored quantities and took responsibility for clearing their plates. These were practical ways to connect learning with things children could do for themselves.

Ofsted rated the setting Good at its 30 May 2023 inspection. The pre-school has capacity for 42 children aged two to five, at Chuter Ede Primary School on Wolfit Avenue in Balderton, Newark.

In May 2023, activities covered the early years foundation stage, the framework for children’s learning, development and care: play and practical tasks brought together counting, communication, physical skills and growing independence. Staff arranged resources around children’s interests and their next learning steps, linking activities to what children were ready to learn.

Water play had a clear purpose. Children learnt to operate pipettes, explored why heavier objects sank and used measuring tubes to encounter numbers. Mark-making with different materials supported early writing. Conversations about visitors who helped people encouraged children to recall experiences and connect them with toy figures.

The garden provided space for chasing games and choosing resources. There was a limitation, too: in May 2023, adult involvement during child-led play was less consistent than during organised activities. Some staff watched over garden play rather than joining children to develop their ideas. This was one of the priorities for improvement.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff recognising signs of abuse, understanding referral procedures and using risk assessments to address hazards. That is a dated judgement.

In May 2023, staff helped children join play with others and offered support when needed. Everyday care also built independence: children practised washing their hands, served food using cutlery and put their plates away. Health discussions used dolls’ toothbrushing and changes in heartbeat before and after exercise to make explanations concrete.

Communication with families included sharing children’s learning and ideas for supporting it at home, alongside help with family changes such as welcoming a baby. However, behaviour guidance was inconsistent in May 2023: some adults explained why an action was unacceptable, while others simply told children to stop. Clearer explanations were needed so children could understand expectations.

The pre-school is based at Chuter Ede Primary School on Wolfit Avenue in Balderton, Newark, NG24 3PQ. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas. In May 2023, term-time sessions began at 7.30am and school-holiday sessions at 8am; both ended at 6pm.

In May 2023, the pre-school provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four, as well as breakfast and after-school care for school-aged children. These describe the offer at that time.

• Behaviour guidance. In May 2023, explanations of acceptable behaviour varied between adults. Consistency matters when children are learning boundaries.
• Adult involvement in play. The May 2023 improvement priority included developing staff interaction during child-led activities, including garden play. Supervision alone did not extend children’s learning.
• Planning attendance. The current opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays. At a visit, which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your child’s attendance?

Balderton Pre-School suits families seeking provision for children aged two to five with a weekday opening window extending into the early evening. Its May 2023 examples make the learning tangible, especially practical number work and everyday independence. The Good judgement sits alongside two clear improvement priorities: consistent behaviour explanations and stronger adult participation in child-led play.