Friends Play Pre School

Home languages, shared stories and children's own choices shaped Friends Play Pre School's April 2022 inspection picture. Its Peterborough setting has capacity for 24 children, while the April 2022 account offers a picture of children choosing activities, voting for stories and exploring small creatures outdoors.

At its 22 April 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Those judgements belong to that visit. The children attending then were aged two to four.

In April 2022, books were woven into play: children copied animal noises from interactive books, listened to animated storytelling and voted on which story to hear. Choosing a book gave them practice in expressing a preference and accepting a different result.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care; here, the April 2022 examples included conversation during play, songs and stories. Staff used children's interests and existing skills to plan their next activities, connecting learning with things that already held their attention.

Outdoor exploration included watching a spider and a woodlouse in the garden. In April 2022, that garden was separate from the main building, with stairs and a route across a car park. Staff carried water and first-aid supplies, supervised the route and taught children how to move safely.

In April 2022, key-person knowledge shaped activity planning, while books and bilingual staff helped children encounter their home languages. Families received updates at collection, progress discussions through parent consultations, and newsletters with activity ideas and a book to share at home.

Children also practised everyday independence that month. Older children managed toileting and outdoor clothing themselves, and children helped prepare fruit for snacks. These small tasks gave them a practical role in the day's routines.

The April 2022 inspection identified two priorities: more targeted staff development to deepen teaching expertise, and more consistent opportunities for large physical movements. Outdoor exploration and physical exercise were already present; the improvement needed was a stronger programme for larger movements.

The address is Unit 3a, The Courtyard, 27 Norfolk Street, Peterborough, PE1 2NP.

In April 2022, attendance ran Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions from 9am to 4pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe the inspection period.

• Outdoor route. In April 2022, reaching the separate garden involved stairs and crossing a car park. How does the current garden routine accommodate your child's mobility and supervision needs?
• Physical play and teaching. The April 2022 priorities concerned larger movements and staff development. At a visit, ask how these now shape activities and teaching.

Friends Play Pre School merits consideration by families who value home-language support, shared reading and opportunities for children to make choices. Its April 2022 picture combines those strengths with practical independence and close communication with parents. The dated inspection also gives families two concrete areas to explore: physical play and the development of teaching expertise.