Hadrian Bears Playgroup

In July 2023, stories, sand play and outdoor planting shaped daily life at Hadrian Bears Playgroup: familiar nursery experiences used to build language, early number understanding and confidence. At its July 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the playgroup Good, judged its education good and found safeguarding effective.

The playgroup has 24 places in total and is based at Wallsend Jubilee Primary School in Wallsend. Children attending in July 2023 were aged two to four. That dated picture is the basis for the account of daily life below.

In July 2023, activities followed topics with clear learning intentions, and staff adjusted their teaching to children's needs. The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: here, play provided opportunities to practise language, explore numbers and develop practical skills.

Animal stories and songs introduced younger children to words and their meanings. Sand play prompted conversations about quantities and size, while familiar books and rhymes helped children recall earlier learning. These were concrete ways to connect conversation with something children were already enjoying.

Outdoors, younger children watered plants. Older children made pictures through cutting and sticking, while dough became pretend ice creams and a starting point for talking about the beach. Children also constructed ramps and vehicle tracks, then proudly shared their creations with adults. Small-group teaching gave children needing additional help more concentrated attention.

In July 2023, key-person support included comforting a child after a difficult morning. Staff offered encouragement during play and used gentle reminders about considerate behaviour. Those interactions linked emotional reassurance with the everyday business of joining activities and playing alongside others.

Teaching plans were shared with families and other professionals, supporting common learning goals across home, playgroup and other settings children attended. Parents also received notes celebrating individual achievements. For children learning English alongside another language, staff placed extra emphasis on speaking and understanding.

Healthy routines included handwashing, conversations about snack and packed-lunch foods, and exercise outdoors. However, children sometimes needed more guidance during energetic play to recognise risks and the effect of their actions on others. Staff development and supervision also needed sharper direction. Both points matter alongside the positive account of relationships and activities.

The address is Wallsend Jubilee Primary School, Mullen Road, Wallsend, NE28 9HA.

In July 2023, opening hours were 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The playgroup also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are historical operating details rather than a current attendance offer.

• Guidance during active play. In July 2023, children needed more help with managing their behaviour and recognising safety risks. During a visit, ask how staff now teach these skills outdoors.
• Staff development. In July 2023, supervision needed a clearer connection to improving teaching. Ask how staff development now addresses individual children's learning needs.
• Attendance planning. The July 2023 pattern was term-time operation with weekday opening hours. Ask which current booking pattern would fit your family's week.

Hadrian Bears Playgroup merits consideration for families who value learning through stories, practical play and communication between home and nursery. Its July 2023 picture is strongest on engaging activities and attentive relationships. Families seeking a term-time arrangement have a useful historical starting point, with behaviour guidance and staff development the priorities to explore.