Little Fishes Pre School

Pretend-kitchen play, shared building projects and visits from emergency-service crews give Little Fishes Pre School a practical, hands-on character in its January 2023 account. Based at Tythorn Community Centre in Wigston, it has 32 places in total.

At its January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, including its education. The children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest detail is the connection between play and everyday skills: conversation, cooperation and doing things independently.

In January 2023, children sustained their interest in both their own play and activities organised by adults. In the sand pit, a shared brick tower gave children a reason to take turns and contribute to a joint task. Pretend-kitchen play prompted exchanges about food, with adults joining in to extend children's ideas.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care; here, the January 2023 examples included learning through stories, singing, imaginative play and counting. Adults introduced words through conversation, while children discussed dragon pictures made for Chinese New Year. Counting with fingers connected number words to individual objects.

Experiences extended beyond the play space. In January 2023, children visited libraries and farm parks, and fire and ambulance crews brought vehicles for them to explore. These encounters gave children concrete subjects to investigate and talk about.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff able to recognise concerns and make referrals, supported by checks on the environment and recruitment.

Everyday independence was also evident in January 2023: children washed their hands before eating snacks and practised putting on painting aprons. Younger children received verbal guidance rather than having the task done for them.

Parents then felt comfortable approaching staff and heard about their children's day, including what they had eaten. Learning communication was weaker: parents did not understand the next goals for their children. Staff feedback also needed clearer targets to help practitioners improve their exchanges with children. Both points matter beyond a pleasant daily update.

The address is Tythorn Community Centre, 98 Horsewell Lane, Wigston, LE18 2HR.

In January 2023, attendance ran during term time, Monday to Friday, with sessions from 9am to 3pm. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that time.

• Learning beyond the session. In January 2023, parents understood daily care but were unclear about their children's next learning goals. Useful updates should help families extend learning at home.
• Adult interaction. In January 2023, staff development feedback needed more precise targets. This matters because conversations during play were central to the children's learning experiences.
• Term-time planning. The January 2023 pattern was weekday sessions from 9am to 3pm during term time. At a visit, what attendance and funding arrangements now apply?

Little Fishes merits consideration for families drawn to play with practical purpose: shared construction, imaginative conversation and encounters beyond the setting. Its January 2023 term-time session pattern would suit families seeking care within that timetable. The Good judgement supports that inspection-era picture, balanced by clear priorities for parent communication and staff development.