Playmates Pre-School, Raunds

A garden trampoline, water experiments and stories in the shade give Playmates Pre-School, Raunds a recognisable outdoor character. These were features of its July 2022 provision, when children explored, practised physical skills and chose activities for themselves. The setting has 31 places in total.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and assessed support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities positively. Children attending then were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection period.

In July 2022, the garden supported more than energetic play. Children tested floating and sinking in water trays, investigated plants and considered where to put a grasshopper safely. A shaded reading corner brought storytelling outdoors. These experiences connected movement, conversation and curiosity about living things.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, play provided opportunities to practise language, explore the world and develop independence. In July 2022, staff planned around children's interests, including exploring flowers through smell and touch before using them in imaginative play.

Counting also featured in a key-group activity, with children spotting deliberate mistakes by adults. However, in July 2022, staff sometimes missed opportunities to take conversations and activities further. Enjoyable participation did not consistently lead to the next step in learning.

In July 2022, independence was practised through ordinary tasks: children peeled oranges and poured drinks at snack time. Adults encouraged sharing and praised children's efforts. Stories helped children discuss emotions, and staff intervened promptly in disagreements, although children needed more help understanding the effect of their behaviour on others.

Support in July 2022 included individual targets, collaboration with other professionals and the use of familiar home-language words alongside English. Staff also explained children's learning to parents and offered practical guidance, including help with toilet training. These were concrete ways of connecting care at the setting with life at home.

The address is Caretakers Bungalow, Windmill School, Windmill Lane, Raunds, NN9 6LA.

In July 2022, the setting operated throughout the year on weekdays, with a Christmas closure lasting one week and additional bank-holiday closures. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

In July 2022, children used facilities belonging to the school sharing the site, helping them become familiar with a school environment. Attending this pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place; families must still follow the applicable school admissions process.

• Extending learning. The July 2022 improvement requirement concerned adults taking children's learning further during activities and everyday conversations. Look for how staff build on a child's ideas rather than simply complete an activity.
• Understanding other people's feelings. In July 2022, children needed more support to connect their actions with their effect on others. This matters alongside learning to share and take turns.
• Today's arrangements. For a visit to this school-site pre-school, ask how current attendance patterns, funded hours, meal and consumable arrangements would fit your child's day.

Playmates' July 2022 provision would appeal to families drawn to outdoor exploration and practical independence, with use of the school's facilities supporting transition at that time. Its July 2022 assessment supports that appeal, while the two improvement points give parents clear priorities: deeper adult interaction and more explicit teaching about how behaviour affects others.