Ladybirds Preschool Playgroup

In January 2024, storytelling, early communication and help tailored to individual children shaped the experience at Ladybirds Preschool Playgroup. At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good, found safeguarding effective and highlighted the progress of children needing additional learning support. Those findings offer a useful starting point for families weighing care alongside preparation for school.

Ladybirds has capacity for 46 children at Ticehurst and Flimwell Primary School, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, TN5 7DH. In January 2024, the children attending were aged 0 to 4, and the setting occupied its own premises within the school grounds.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the January 2024 curriculum used play to work on individual learning priorities. Sensory play became a way to retell The Tiger Who Came to Tea, while feeding dolls gave children practice handling spoons. Familiar stories and everyday tasks supplied a purpose for play.

Communication took different forms across the ages in January 2024. Babies could indicate what they wanted through choice cards; older children explored rhyme through words used in daily routines. These examples show how language practice could sit within ordinary activities rather than depend on a separate lesson.

In January 2024, staff worked with parents to understand children's interests and learning preferences, and specialist teachers supported individual children alongside practitioners. At the same inspection, Ofsted found that staff and parents worked effectively together to address learning gaps, with especially good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Relationships also had a practical expression in January 2024: older children offered comfort to upset friends, while staff helped younger children take turns and share. The improvement point concerned independence. At lunchtime, children aged two and three sometimes lacked opportunities to manage tasks they could do themselves, limiting their practice of independence.

In January 2024, Ladybirds operated on weekdays for 50 weeks each year, with session times running from 7.30am to 6pm. These are dated operating arrangements rather than a description of today's booking choices.

School preparation included collaboration with the host primary school in January 2024, helping staff understand what children would need next. Attendance at Ladybirds does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Practising independence. The January 2024 improvement point concerned lunchtime tasks for two- and three-year-olds. During a visit, ask how children now practise serving themselves and managing tasks before adults step in.
• Your attendance pattern. The January 2024 day extended from 7.30am to 6pm across 50 weeks. Which current booking pattern and funding arrangement would fit your family's week?

Ladybirds suits families who value the play-led learning, communication and collaboration around individual needs described in January 2024. The January 2024 examples make that approach tangible, from babies expressing choices to children recreating a familiar story. For families considering care alongside school preparation, the host-school collaboration adds practical interest; opportunities to build independence deserve attention too.