Precious Times

A pear tree, dinosaur counting and a lending library gave Precious Times a recognisable preschool character at its June 2023 inspection. This Grimsby setting has capacity for 30 children. At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children made good progress, with well-tailored support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The children attending in June 2023 were aged 2 to 11, reflecting provision beyond the preschool day. The strengths were personal relationships and practical learning; the improvements concerned how adults supported outdoor learning and how group activities were organised.

In June 2023, mathematical learning involved throwing a dice and collecting the corresponding number of dinosaurs. Children examined leaves on the pear tree and watched caterpillars develop into butterflies. These gave counting and changes in nature concrete objects to investigate.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2023 examples included number play, conversations and physical exploration, showing how learning could sit within ordinary activities rather than separate lessons.

A book-of-the-week strategy used a selected story to prompt discussion, while expressive storytelling encouraged children to listen. A lending library extended access to books into the home. Together, these connected shared reading at preschool with reading alongside parents.

Outdoors in June 2023, children used a frame, balance beams and bikes to practise movement. Older children also used a map to discuss where they lived, and conversations about celebrations introduced similarities and differences between cultures. Outdoor interactions were less consistent than indoor engagement, however, and some group activities suffered interruptions.

In June 2023, children sought comfort from staff, including cuddles and reassurance. Adults spoke respectfully and reminded children to share and take turns, giving them practical examples of considerate behaviour.

A special educational needs coordinator worked with other professionals around individual children's needs. Parents joined family stay-and-play sessions, creating opportunities to take part in preschool life. These were features of the June 2023 provision.

At that time, staff undertook continuing professional development, including training about sleep to help them support families. Child-protection training, designated safeguarding lead roles and recruitment procedures formed part of the safeguarding arrangements. Children practised washing their hands and managing mealtime routines, while parents supplied packed lunches and worked with staff on healthy choices.

Precious Times is on Swiftsure Crescent, Grimsby, DN34 5QN.

In June 2023, the preschool operated throughout the year on weekdays, with sessions running from 8.50am to 3.20pm. Breakfast club ran from 7.30am to 8.45am; after-school club ran from 3.20pm to 6pm. During school holidays, holiday club operated from 7.30am to 6pm. This combined a preschool session with care around the school day and a separate holiday pattern.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the June 2023 offer. Parents provided children's packed lunches at that time.

• Outdoor learning. In June 2023, adult deployment did not consistently give children enough interaction outside. On a visit, look at how practitioners join children's outdoor activities.
• Group concentration. Some group activities in June 2023 were disrupted unnecessarily. How are these activities now organised to protect children's concentration?
• Attendance arrangements. The June 2023 timetable combined preschool, breakfast, after-school and holiday care. What current session and funding arrangements would cover your family's intended attendance?

Precious Times suits families drawn to practical preschool learning and shared reading, judged on its June 2023 provision. Its June 2023 attendance patterns included preschool sessions, breakfast club, after-school club and holiday club. The outdoor interaction and group-organisation findings give families specific points to explore alongside those strengths.