The Little Hut Pre School

Curiosity gave the day its character in June 2021: children examined objects with magnifying glasses, searched leafy plants for toy dinosaurs and turned acorns into imaginary dinosaur eggs. At its June 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated The Little Hut Pre School Outstanding and found safeguarding effective.

The setting has capacity for 40 children at 2 Slatyford Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 2UN. Children attending in June 2021 were aged two to four. The inspection account gives families a detailed picture of that period, with exploration, conversation and independence running through the day.

In June 2021, the early years foundation stage took practical form through sound, imaginative play and early writing: children repeated rhythms made with kitchen equipment and talked about marks painted with water on walls. These examples connect learning to things children could handle, hear and describe.

Resources were accessible for children to choose themselves. Binoculars and magnifying glasses supported investigation, while large leafy plants became part of imaginary journeys. Adults joined the play, posed problems and invited children to help solve them, giving conversation a purpose within the activity.

Children also explored cultural traditions in June 2021, trying headscarves and hats, learning about festivals and greeting others in different languages. Everyday responsibilities included tidying, washing hands and, for older children, serving themselves and helping others. Independence had concrete tasks attached to it.

At the June 2021 inspection, Ofsted found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, made exceptional progress, supported by collaboration between staff, parents and other professionals.

In June 2021, staff attended professional meetings and followed up actions towards individual targets. Children learning English as an additional language received support shaped around their needs through partnership working.

Parents were involved in learning during that period. Staff explained planned learning, shared individual assessments and lent books and resources through a lending library, giving families materials to use at home. Community involvement extended to celebrations and open days for local residents, alongside food parcels for elderly neighbours.

The address is 2 Slatyford Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 2UN, and the whole setting has 40 places.

In June 2021, attendance operated during term time, Monday to Friday, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm. That dated pattern is useful context for families weighing care around a working day and school holidays.

• Attendance planning. The June 2021 pattern was term-time sessions from 9am to 3pm. What attendance arrangements would fit your working week and holiday needs now?
• Learning at home. June 2021 parent support included a lending library and individual assessments. Discuss how those approaches would help you support your child's interests.

The June 2021 picture suits families who value exploratory learning, practical independence and close involvement in their child's development. Magnifying glasses, rhythm-making and resources lent home make that picture tangible. Families considering a term-time preschool routine have a useful historical account here; the Outstanding judgement belongs to June 2021.