Ashby Preschool Academy

Independence takes practical form at Ashby Preschool Academy: children helping themselves to drinks, serving food and dealing with what is left on their plates. These everyday habits were part of its May 2024 provision, giving children opportunities to take responsibility as well as play.

At the 9 May 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the setting Good overall, with Outstanding personal development, effective safeguarding and support that enabled children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to participate throughout the provision. Children attending then were aged two to four.

In May 2024, learning combined hands-on exploration with conversation. Caterpillars prompted discussion about how butterflies develop; dinosaurs in sand provided a reason to count discovered bones. Story activities encouraged children to contribute ideas rather than simply listen. These examples put language and early mathematics into situations children could explore.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, play, conversation and practical tasks supplied opportunities to build those skills. In May 2024, curriculum planning also linked early skills with later tasks, including learning to manage cutlery.

Recycling extended learning beyond the setting, with children taking their interest home. Regular visits to a local care home brought shared games and emerging friendships, giving community learning a social purpose.

In May 2024, practitioners gave children space to work through disagreements, demonstrated helpful behaviour and recognised positive choices. Conversations allowed quieter children time to join in. Mealtimes also created opportunities to talk with adults and other children.

Support involved specialists in health and in speech and language, while liaison with children's next schools helped prepare their move. Additional funding paid for resources addressing individual learning needs and school transition.

Communication with families included newsletters, daily conversations and recurring development meetings. The important distinction was between hearing about the day's activities and understanding the next learning goal.

The address is 30 North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1HS.

In May 2024, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with provision running throughout the year. Funded early education was offered for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are dated operating details rather than a current attendance plan.

• Learning challenge. At its May 2024 inspection, Ofsted asked for teaching to extend children's existing skills more effectively and for families to receive clearer, more consistent information about upcoming learning and ways to help at home. Both points matter when weighing the strength of day-to-day activities.
• Parent communication. Daily exchanges and development meetings were part of the May 2024 arrangements. During a visit, ask how these now translate into specific next steps for your child.

Ashby Preschool Academy suits families who value practical independence, conversational learning and contact with the wider community. Its May 2024 examples make that character tangible, from self-service meals to care-home visits. The decision also deserves attention to teaching challenge and the clarity of learning information shared with parents.