Funny Bunnies

In November 2022, small teapots, story-led vocabulary and children making their own rockets gave Funny Bunnies a recognisable preschool character. It has capacity for 24 children and occupies a separate building at Milton Park Primary School in Weston-super-Mare.

At its November 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated Funny Bunnies Outstanding and found that children developed strong concentration, independence and communication skills. Children attending then were aged 2 to 4. These are dated observations, rather than a description of today's cohort.

In November 2022, the early years foundation stage provided the required framework for children's learning, development and care: play supported language, practical skills and growing independence. Activities built on what children already understood, giving them challenges that extended their ideas.

The story of the week supplied vocabulary for the word wall, where staff explored unfamiliar words with children. A story involving a computer led to keyboards being introduced into play. Stories had practical consequences. Puppets helped children retell narratives, while model-making prompted them to choose materials and explain their decisions.

Everyday objects also supplied possibilities for imaginative play, including kitchen utensils and food cans. Children could experiment with familiar household materials rather than relying solely on toys. Access to the school's outdoor equipment added another setting for activity.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised the prompt identification of additional learning needs, the support for children with SEND and their substantial progress.

In November 2022, staff gave children thinking time before expecting answers, encouraging them to solve problems themselves. Independence also extended to snack time: the snack helper served fruit and poured milk using small teapots. This gave children a useful responsibility within the group.

Staff development received sustained attention, and relationships with children helped them feel secure. School visits offered familiarity with the next stage, alongside opportunities to use the school's outdoor space.

The address is Milton Park Primary School, Milton Park Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 8DY. In November 2022, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

The preschool occupies the school site, but attending does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• The school connection. School visits and shared outdoor facilities formed part of children's experience in November 2022. That familiarity is useful preparation, but it brings no guarantee of a Reception place.
• Planning attendance. The November 2022 opening pattern followed the school day and term calendar. At a visit, what attendance arrangements, funded entitlements and charges would apply to your child now?

Funny Bunnies suits families drawn to practical independence, language-rich play and familiarity with a school setting. The November 2022 examples give substance to that appeal: children took responsibility at snack time, explored vocabulary through stories and made decisions during creative play. Its school-site setting is a clear practical feature; the educational assessment belongs to that dated inspection.