Gunness and Burringham Pre-School

Birdwatching with binoculars and a checklist gives this pre-school a recognisable rural character. In June 2024, children watched garden birds, identified them and recorded their sightings, bringing observation and early writing into the same activity.

Ofsted rated Gunness and Burringham Pre-School Good on 17 June 2024 and judged safeguarding effective. It has 16 places in total; the children attending at that inspection were aged two to four.

In June 2024, children could choose activities indoors and outdoors, with books and opportunities to draw and record discoveries throughout the setting. The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the inspection-time examples included reading together, investigating water and learning about the local environment.

Rural surroundings shaped the learning. Children explored road and river dangers, connecting knowledge of their neighbourhood with practical safety. Wellington boots and waterproof clothing supported outdoor play in wet conditions and during water activities.

Group activities included pouring between containers and exploring how much they held. Adults introduced vocabulary and questions, but sometimes moved ahead before children could develop an answer. More thinking time was the improvement priority: children needed space to contribute ideas and practise unfamiliar words.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff identified additional needs promptly, worked with families and professionals on targeted support, and helped children with SEND make good progress. Settling began with time to adjust and observations of what each child could already do, informing subsequent activities.

In June 2024, children sought closeness with familiar adults during the day. A family photograph album gave them opportunities to talk about relatives, while cultural festivals introduced similarities and differences between people.

Communication combined daily discussions, an app and termly summaries. Staff also used supervision and team meetings to review practice and exchange information. At mealtimes, adults sat alongside children, encouraged healthy choices and supported them to pour drinks themselves; tidying offered another small responsibility.

The address is Gunness & Burringham C of E School, Burringham Road, Gunness, Scunthorpe, DN17 3LT. In June 2024, opening hours were 8.40am to 3.20pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, and funded education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

Children made regular visits to the adjoining school in June 2024. Staff from both settings worked together on preparation for starting school, helping children become familiar with that next stage. Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Time to answer. The June 2024 improvement priority concerned the pace of group questioning. Ask how staff now give children time to think and use new vocabulary.
• Term-time planning. The June 2024 opening pattern followed school terms. At a visit, ask which current attendance patterns and funded arrangements would fit your working week.
• Reception applications. Regular school visits supported preparation in June 2024. Treat familiarity with the adjoining school separately from securing a place there.

Gunness and Burringham Pre-School suits families drawn to learning rooted in rural surroundings and preparation alongside an adjoining school. Its June 2024 account brings that character into view through garden birds, local safety and regular school visits. The Good judgement provides a useful quality benchmark, with the pace of group discussion a clear point to explore.