West End Pre-School

In February 2023, West End Pre-School's activities included favourite stories and woodland walks, with outdoor play in an enclosed garden. Based at West End First School in Bedlington, it has capacity for 24 children. At its February 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good.

Children attending in February 2023 were aged two to three. The everyday experiences included preparing snacks, experimenting with materials and sharing play with children from the local school: a practical introduction to independence and learning alongside others.

In February 2023, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Play gave that framework concrete expression: children explored colour through paint, practised using scissors and took turns during matching games.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar supplied one activity theme that month; another was Goldilocks and The Three Bears. Stories, singing and rhymes gave children opportunities to listen and talk. Door knockers, bells and locks offered different ways to practise hand movements.

Outdoor experiences in February 2023 included balancing on beams, climbing steps and riding scooters in the enclosed garden. Woodland walks introduced nature beyond the setting; planting wildflowers and caring for caterpillars brought it closer. Children also marked Chinese New Year as part of learning about the wider world.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements and very good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with staff working alongside parents and other professionals.

Settling arrangements in February 2023 included individual baskets containing a new child's favourite toys. Familiar objects gave children something recognisable while forming relationships with staff. Emotional learning included discussing how story characters might feel and using signs to distinguish feelings and behaviour.

Independence had practical outlets that month. Children practised fastening coats, brushing teeth and spreading butter on crumpets. Staff gathered parents' views and acted on suggestions, giving families a role in shaping children's experiences.

The address is West End First School, Ridge Terrace, Bedlington, Northumberland NE22 6EB.

In February 2023, session times were 8.50am to 11.50am and 12pm to 3pm, and the pre-school provided funded early education for two- and three-year-old children.

School transition had a practical dimension in February 2023: the pre-school had a close working relationship with the local school, including daily shared sand and water activities and mealtimes. Attendance does not guarantee a school place; families still use the local authority admissions process.

• Group activities. In February 2023, group sessions did not consistently help children sustain attention and listening. Consider how your child responds to learning together with other children.
• Understanding routines. In February 2023, staff relied on a bell to signal changes of activity and needed additional ways to help children understand what came next. This matters for children who benefit from visual or individual reminders.
• Planning attendance. How do today's session arrangements and funded provision fit your child's needs and your working day?

West End Pre-School suits families who value practical independence, stories and outdoor exploration. Its February 2023 provision combined morning and afternoon sessions with hands-on experiences and shared activities supporting the move to school. The two improvement points concerned group learning and communicating routines, useful considerations alongside the Good judgement.