Happy Tykes Preschool

Sunflower planting and conversations about an unexpected worm give a concrete picture of Happy Tykes Preschool's learning in May 2023: practical, outdoors and responsive to children's curiosity. The setting is based at Race Leys Infant School in Bedworth and has capacity for 47 children aged 24 to 60 months.

At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the preschool Good overall. The detail matters more than the label: children explored, practised independence and learnt to share, while mathematics teaching and the organisation of staff documents needed attention.

In May 2023, children's interests helped shape activities within the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, that meant learning through practical experiences: filling pots with soil, discussing what seeds need and responding to discoveries outdoors.

Lightweight fabric became a resource for throwing and catching, giving children opportunities to practise physical coordination. Small-group activities helped them take turns and share. These examples show how practical play supported physical and social learning in May 2023.

Mathematics was less consistently developed. In May 2023, staff sometimes missed opportunities to extend children's understanding of shapes; deeper mathematical teaching was an improvement priority. Celebrations of cultures and festivals also introduced children to life beyond their immediate experience.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described good progress for children receiving early support for special educational needs and/or disabilities, with staff drawing on external agencies for guidance. This gives families a dated assessment of both safety and additional support.

In May 2023, reassurance and cuddles helped children settle, while daily exchanges with parents supported communication in both directions. Staff combined observations with parental discussions to understand children's starting points. Support for families experiencing hardship included food vouchers and signposting to outside help.

Children practised washing their hands, using the toilet and putting on coats independently in May 2023. Staff encouraged healthy packed lunches and accommodated alternative diets. Recruitment checks were undertaken, but the organisation and accessibility of staff paperwork needed improvement.

The address is Race Leys Infant School, Hurst Road, Bedworth, CV12 8AD. Opening hours are 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the setting closes for school holidays and bank holidays. This calendar matters for families needing care beyond the school term.

In May 2023, the preschool provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Staff also liaised with school staff to help children move on smoothly. Being based at Race Leys Infant School does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Term-time calendar. School-holiday and bank-holiday closures make this a setting to assess against the whole family's annual childcare needs.
• Mathematics and paperwork. The May 2023 improvement priorities concerned extending mathematical understanding and organising staff documentation. Ask how both have been addressed.
• Your child's attendance and support. At a visit, discuss the booking pattern, settling arrangements and any additional support your child needs, alongside current funding and charge terms.

Happy Tykes Preschool suits families whose childcare needs fit a term-time calendar and who value practical play, outdoor exploration and links that support the move to school. Its May 2023 assessment provides a positive foundation, with clear improvement priorities to explore. The strongest examples are simple and useful: growing seeds, taking turns and becoming more independent.