Saint Michael's Ark

A sand-cake game that led to shopping for ingredients and real baking captures the character of Saint Michael's Ark in September 2022: children's interests became starting points for learning. Everyday play had a practical purpose.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 20 September 2022, finding that children felt secure and progressed well. Saint Michael's Ark has capacity for 24 children in Peterborough; the children attending in September 2022 were aged two to four.

In September 2022, children stretched coloured elastic bands around wooden pegs, combining hand control with pattern-making. They also considered how to make a wooden plank safer before crossing it. These activities gave them opportunities to practise coordination and make decisions.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2022 examples show learning through play: conversation, creative activities and practical experiences linked together.

A story connecting colours with emotions carried into play with dough and pom-poms. Staff repeated unfamiliar vocabulary and clarified its meaning, giving children language they could use to explain their own ideas. Books also featured at the beginning of a session, although independent reading during play needed more consistent encouragement.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective and found that cooperation with other professionals helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress. Sharing relevant information connected support for children with support for their families.

In September 2022, photographs of staff helped children become familiar with adults before starting, while family photographs offered comfort during their time at nursery. These were concrete ways to make an unfamiliar setting feel more recognisable.

Communication extended beyond the nursery day. During that September, staff gave parents practical activity ideas to develop learning at home, and assessments helped identify areas needing additional attention.

The address is St. Michaels Church of England Primary School, Constantine Drive, Peterborough, PE2 8SZ.

In September 2022, the nursery operated Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions running from 8.45am to 3.15pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Thinking and books. In September 2022, staff did not consistently extend children's problem-solving or encourage independent use of books during play. These were specific areas for development alongside the Good judgement.
• Planning attendance. The September 2022 arrangements followed the school term. At a visit, what attendance pattern and funded provision would suit your child's age now?

Saint Michael's Ark suits families drawn to practical learning and close communication between nursery and home. Its September 2022 examples make that appeal tangible: baking grew from imaginative play, and familiar photographs supported settling. The Good judgement provides a positive dated assessment, balanced by clear development priorities around thinking skills and books.