South Bretton Preschool

Words, stories and growing independence shaped children's experience at South Bretton Preschool's December 2023 inspection. Its classroom base is at Nova Primary Academy in South Bretton, and it has capacity for 30 children.

At its December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received effective support. Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest practical themes were language development and preparation for children's next stage of learning.

In December 2023, the curriculum gave communication particular attention: wonderful words introduced vocabulary through weekly planned learning. The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, its everyday expression included conversation, stories, counting and play.

Children shared a comfortable chair with staff to explore books, discussing pictures and predicting events. Number interests could lead beyond counting and colour sorting to recognising larger numerals. Activities combined children's own choices with adult direction.

In December 2023, children's community experiences included park and woodland outings; they had also travelled by bus to local attractions. Two weaknesses mattered: snack and toothbrushing routines sometimes broke children's concentration, while teaching about cultural and religious differences lacked consistency.

In December 2023, settling procedures helped children build relationships with their key person. Finding their name and taking off their own coat encouraged independence; clear rules supported sharing and considerate behaviour.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff sought outside support promptly for children with additional needs, offered interim interventions and family guidance, and worked with professionals to help children progress. Staff were then undertaking British Sign Language training to support communication.

Lunch-box discussions encouraged children to think about food choices. In December 2023, work towards NHS dental accreditation included teaching about oral health. Management also adjusted opening hours to create time for paperwork, and staff expressed satisfaction with their support and workload.

The address is C/O Nova Primary Academy, Middleton, South Bretton, Peterborough PE3 9XJ.

In December 2023, the preschool operated Monday to Friday during term time; its session times were 9am to midday and midday to 3pm. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that time.

The classroom is within Nova Primary Academy. Preschool attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; families still use the local authority admissions process.

• Uninterrupted play. December 2023 routines sometimes interrupted activities for snacks or toothbrushing. On a visit, ask how children now finish an absorbing activity before moving on.
• Understanding other lives. Cultural and religious learning needed greater consistency in December 2023. Ask for examples of how different family traditions enter everyday activities.
• Term-time planning. The December 2023 timetable used two daytime sessions during school terms. How would the current attendance arrangements fit your family's week?

South Bretton Preschool suits families interested in language development, independence and community outings. Its December 2023 morning and afternoon session windows offered two different attendance patterns. The Good judgement provides a positive assessment, balanced by specific improvements needed in daily routines and cultural learning.