Young Generation

Carrots, blackberries and parsley gave children something tangible to grow at Young Generation, while water play turned pouring into an exploration of quantity. This Peterborough pre-school combines practical learning with opportunities for children to do things for themselves. The examples here describe its September 2024 provision.

Ofsted rated Young Generation Good on 27 September 2024 and judged its safeguarding arrangements effective. The setting has capacity for 30 children, at Ashton Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7ER. Children attending at the time of that inspection were aged two to four.

In September 2024, children could choose their own creative materials, and practitioners joined their play to introduce new ideas. Conversations about toy vehicles explored their power sources, adding vocabulary to an interest children already had. Learning started with something familiar.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the September 2024 examples included learning through play and practising everyday skills. Water containers of different sizes helped children explore volume and weight. A listening activity called What's in the box? asked children to recognise sounds, giving attention and listening a concrete purpose.

Outside, in September 2024, children examined insects using magnifying jars and tended edible plants. Growing parsley, carrots and blackberries connected outdoor activity with understanding food. Children also practised sharing equipment and taking turns, supported by clear, age-appropriate expectations from staff.

At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, alongside good educational progress: assessments informed individual learning plans and referrals to external agencies. That gives families a useful picture of how additional needs were addressed at that point.

In September 2024, parents received information about development and future learning through an online app and meetings. Staff built relationships with families and children, and used encouragement to recognise children's efforts.

Everyday responsibility also featured that September: children cleaned tables before snacks and poured drinks themselves. Tooth models, brushes and toothpaste supported discussion about dental care, turning a conversation about a dentist visit into practical learning.

Young Generation's address is Ashton Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7ER.

In September 2024, it operated during term time, Monday to Friday, with opening periods of 8.45am to 11.45am and 12.15pm to 2.45pm. Friday differed: three- and four-year-olds attended a session from 9am to 2pm. Those arrangements matter when matching childcare to a working day.

In September 2024, funded early education was offered for children aged two, three and four.

• Planning the next step. In September 2024, activities sometimes received more attention than the specific skills children needed next. Ask how planning now connects a child's interests with their next learning goals.
• Feedback for practitioners. September 2024 supervision supported staff wellbeing, but individual teaching feedback and consistent development work needed strengthening. Ask how coaching now translates into changes in practice.
• Friday attendance. The September 2024 timetable gave three- and four-year-olds a longer Friday session than the other opening periods. At a visit, discuss which attendance pattern would fit your child and family.

Young Generation suits families drawn to practical preschool learning: growing food, investigating quantities and building independence were clear strengths of its September 2024 daily life. Its inspection-era arrangements offered shorter term-time attendance and a longer Friday session for three- and four-year-olds. The balance is straightforward: engaging everyday experiences, with sharper individual planning and practitioner feedback the priorities for improvement.