Welbourn Wonderbugs Preschool

A Sensory/Calm room, outdoor play in wet weather and a committee run by volunteers give Welbourn Wonderbugs Preschool its character. This village setting welcomes children from two years old until they start school, with learning shaped around their interests as well as activities organised by educators.

Ofsted rated the preschool Good at its July 2021 inspection. Parents also have a formal role in its organisation: committee volunteers are usually drawn from the families attending, and parents are asked to contribute at the Annual General Meeting.

Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions give families different ways to arrange attendance, with paid extra time before and after the main day.

Learning and Activities

The Early Years Foundation Stage guides learning through play, conversation and activities organised by adults. Its areas of learning bring together communication, physical development and relationships with early literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression. For parents, that means preparation for school includes managing feelings and developing movement skills alongside letters and numbers.

In the moment planning follows children's development through their play and imagination. The practical emphasis is on building from what interests a child, rather than treating every activity as a fixed task. Educators also organise experiences themselves, so children's choices sit alongside adult direction.

Observation informs the next steps. Staff draw on what children do during their time at preschool and invite parents to share interests and development at home. Learning journeys bring those contributions together, giving families a way to discuss progress using examples from their own child's experience.

Outdoor and Community Life

Outdoor facilities are used in rainy weather as well as dry conditions. Warm coats, hats and gloves matter in cold weather, and belongings, including drinks bottles, should be labelled. Outdoor play is therefore part of the practical preparation for a session, rather than something reserved for fine days.

The Sensory/Calm room adds a separate named space to the preschool's provision. Parent participation extends beyond conversations about progress: families can help during sessions or contribute their interests and skills. That gives parents several ways to take part, alongside the more formal responsibilities of the committee.

Relationships and Communication

Each child has a key person who links the family with the setting and helps tailor care and learning to the child's interests and needs. Settling is planned with parents, with the key person helping the child become accustomed to preschool activities. This makes the relationship useful from the start, rather than leaving it solely for progress discussions later.

The key person also works with parents on the child's learning journey. Observations and information from home help determine the next steps together. Assessment summaries are used around transitions, including the move to school, so preparation includes taking stock of development as well as practising new skills.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

A deputy manager holds the SENDCO role, while designated safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead roles sit within the team. These are arrangements for organising responsibilities, rather than a substitute for a dated inspection judgement.

The SEND procedure starts with observation and adjustments to activities. Where difficulties continue, the key person involves parents and the SENCo or manager; an action plan can specify the support, resources and people involved. Reviews are agreed with parents at least termly, giving families a defined point at which to discuss progress and change the plan.

The allergy policy requires an individual risk assessment and health care plan, and says nuts and nut products are generally avoided. Medication procedures require written consent, appropriate storage and a record of doses, with additional planning for children who need ongoing treatment.

Sessions and Attendance

Full-day sessions run from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, and afternoons from noon to 3pm. Extra paid attendance can begin at 8.30am or continue after 3pm until 3.30pm or 4pm. These extensions sit outside the funded session window.

Funding is delivered during term time. The admissions policy combines a first-come approach and a waiting list with stated priority groups: children looked after by the local authority, children using disadvantaged two-year-old funding and those receiving EYPP. Extra sessions requested at short notice are subject to the preschool being able to accommodate them.

Getting There

The address is 22 Manor Close, Welbourn, LN5 0NA, with access via Beck street. Enquiries can be made by telephone or email.

Funding and Paid Extras

The preschool accepts funded childcare, including eligible two-year-olds, the universal entitlement for three- and four-year-olds and extended funding where families qualify. The universal offer covers 15 hours over 38 weeks; the policy also provides for 30 hours where eligible. Additional hours beyond a child's funded entitlement are charged separately.

Current prices come in the preschool's written quotation; its session times and fees page sets out the attendance options. Private fees are invoiced each half-term in advance, and fees continue during holidays taken by the child. Reducing hours or leaving requires at least half a term's written notice, subject to managerial discretion, with fees payable in lieu when notice is not given.

• Extra time is paid time. The funded window runs from 9am to 3pm; earlier starts and later finishes are non-funded. Consider how those extensions fit the family budget.
• Changes need planning. A half-term notice requirement applies to leaving or reducing hours. This matters if work arrangements may change quickly.
• Food and daily supplies. When discussing the written quotation, ask how meals, snacks and consumables are handled for your chosen funded or private pattern.
• Settling and quieter space. The key person helps with settling, and there is a Sensory/Calm room. During a visit, ask how both would be used for your child.

Welbourn Wonderbugs suits families seeking morning or afternoon preschool sessions as well as those wanting the full 9am-to-3pm day. Child-led play, a key person relationship and opportunities for parents to participate give it a clear family-centred character. The Good judgement dates to July 2021; the practical decision rests on how the session choices, paid extensions and notice terms fit family life.