Our Ladys Preschool

Garden herbs, homemade potions and shadows traced in chalk give Our Ladys Preschool its character in June 2022: everyday discoveries became opportunities to explore language, size and movement. Practical independence mattered too, from managing shoes to serving fruit.

On 20 June 2022, Ofsted judged the preschool Good overall and found safeguarding effective. Based on Henshaw Road in Wellingborough, NN8 2BE, it has capacity for 18 children; those attending in June 2022 were aged three to four.

In June 2022, outdoor play included a mud kitchen and potion-making with herbs gathered from the garden. Children compared containers using words for different sizes, connecting mathematical ideas to something they were already making. Chalk drawings of body shadows gave them another way to investigate change through play.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care, bringing these together in children's daily experiences. In June 2022, a recycling collection prompted play with miniature trucks, conversation about materials and a related book. A discovered bumblebee became a chance to explain unfamiliar vocabulary. Learning followed children's curiosity rather than remaining separate from it.

Health also became tangible. In June 2022, children used oversized tooth models to practise brushing and explored mushrooms and aubergines during kitchen role play. These activities made healthy habits something to discuss and try.

At the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted found strong relationships between children and staff, but identified a need for better information about individual learning and more effective speaking support for children learning English as an additional language.

In June 2022, children invited adults into their play, while staff demonstrated sharing and encouraged considerate behaviour during disagreements. Staff exchanged information when moving between areas to maintain supervision, and checked indoor and outdoor spaces for hazards before the day began.

Photographs in an online journal helped parents see activities in June 2022, but did not consistently explain their child's development or how to extend learning at home. Language support also needed greater precision: sometimes adults echoed short phrases rather than building longer sentences. These were specific weaknesses in otherwise useful everyday interactions.

Management documentation needed attention in June 2022 too. Information about new committee members was not consistently completed, although the identified member had no daily childcare or recruitment role and this posed no safety risk to children.

Henshaw Road, Wellingborough, NN8 2BE is the preschool's address. In June 2022, opening hours ran from 8.45am to 3.30pm on weekdays, with attendance during term time.

Funded early education for three- and four-year-olds formed part of the offer in June 2022. Children brought lunch boxes and practised putting them away; snack-time independence included pouring milk and using tongs for fruit.

• Parent communication. Individual learning updates and ideas for home support needed improvement in June 2022. Ask how the online journal now connects activities with your child's next steps.
• Support for additional languages. In June 2022, adults sometimes repeated short phrases rather than expanding them. Families whose children are learning English should discuss how staff develop conversation.
• Attendance fit. The June 2022 pattern was term-time weekday opening. What ages, attendance arrangements and funded-hours terms apply now?

Our Ladys Preschool suits parents who value practical independence and learning sparked by children's interests, judging by its June 2022 daily life. Garden exploration and hands-on health activities give that picture substance. The dated Good judgement is useful, but communication about individual learning and support for additional languages deserve particular attention when choosing it.