Lucky Ducks Pre-School

In November 2023, a classroom within Scremerston First School and a large garden gave Lucky Ducks Pre-School its recognisable shape: school-site surroundings with space for climbing, running and practical play. At its November 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, highlighting relationships with families and children's growing independence.

The setting has capacity for 24 children. In November 2023, children attending were aged two to four; the classroom base also put staff close to the teachers involved in preparing children for school.

In November 2023, the early years foundation stage provided the framework for children's learning and care: play, conversation and practical activities supported their development. Staff used assessments and observations to decide what children needed to tackle next, rather than treating activities as an isolated timetable.

The garden supplied real physical challenges. During that month, children climbed outdoor apparatus, ran on a large hill and experimented with rolling tyres downhill. Indoors, puzzles, construction resources and threading gave smaller movements a purpose. Stories, rhymes and songs supported language, while staff joined children's play and encouraged their efforts.

There was a clear limitation. Some activities led by adults concentrated too heavily on producing a finished object, and children's involvement weakened. That matters for families who value sustained exploration over something to take home.

In November 2023, children had close relationships with staff, and parents knew their child's key person. Books borrowed for home and suggested activities connected learning between the setting and family life. Children also practised everyday independence through their own coat-and-bag routines and helping prepare tables for food.

At the November 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff following up unexplained absences, sharing concerns with relevant professionals and assessing risks. A special educational needs coordinator took part in discussions about support for children with additional needs.

School preparation was practical that month: teachers from the onsite school visited children, introductory school sessions were arranged, and staff exchanged information about individual needs. Those steps gave children familiarity with their next setting.

The address is Scremerston First School, Scremerston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2RB.

In November 2023, the pre-school operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 8.45am to 3pm. It also provided funded early education for two-year-old children. These arrangements describe that period.

Sharing a school site does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Adult-led learning. In November 2023, some tasks prioritised the finished product and lost children's attention. Ask how staff now make room for exploration within planned activities.
• Staff development. The November 2023 improvement priorities included more precisely targeted training to strengthen teaching. This is a useful topic for a visit, alongside how training changes children's daily experiences.
• Term-time fit. The November 2023 pattern was a weekday session from 8.45am to 3pm during term time. How does the current booking arrangement fit your family's working week and holidays?

The November 2023 picture of Lucky Ducks would suit families drawn to a school-site pre-school with outdoor physical play and practical preparation for the next stage. It combined strong family relationships with opportunities for children to do things for themselves. The term-time attendance pattern recorded that month was central to that fit; the quality of adult-led activities and the response to the training priorities deserve equal attention.