Bilton Sunbeams Pre-School

In February 2024, books taken home, stories retold with finger puppets and a sand timer chosen by children characterised daily life at Bilton Sunbeams Pre-School. This Rugby setting has capacity for 24 children. At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall, with activities shaped around children's individual learning needs.

The children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest examples combine independence with shared play: choosing books, pouring drinks and finding a fair way to take turns.

In February 2024, learning included the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Counting, conversation, creative work and play brought those responsibilities into everyday activities rather than keeping learning separate from the day's routines.

Circle time included the calendar, checking the weather and counting children and adults together. A lending library let children choose books to share at home, while song sheets extended singing beyond the setting. These were practical links between home and pre-school.

Handa's Surprise became a story children retold together, using finger puppets for its animals. During Chinese New Year activities, paper plates, paint and scissors became dragons inspired by a book. Children's artwork was displayed around the pre-school, making their creative work visible to parents.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well supported through assessment, work with parents and seeking additional help.

In February 2024, simple signs and picture cards helped children understand the day's routine. Staff listened to children's ideas, including their suggestion to use a sand timer when sharing a popular toy. That gave children a practical part in managing turn-taking.

Snack time also encouraged independence: children selected nutritious food and practised pouring drinks with help where needed. Individual dietary requirements were catered for at that time.

The address is St Mark's Church Office, Church Walk, Bilton, Rugby, CV22 7LX.

In February 2024, the pre-school operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 9am to noon. It provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That attendance pattern offered a morning of pre-school activity rather than an extended childcare day.

• Early reading and writing. In February 2024, support for understanding how writing runs from left to right needed strengthening. Ask how children now practise writing their own names and develop early reading skills.
• Staff development. In February 2024, supervision needed to identify practitioners' development needs more precisely. More targeted support was an improvement priority alongside children's literacy.
• Planning attendance. The February 2024 model was term-time mornings with funded early education. What are the current attendance options and funded-place terms, including arrangements for meals and consumables?

Bilton Sunbeams suits families drawn to the shared stories, creative play and everyday independence seen in February 2024. Its February 2024 morning, term-time model is the practical reference point. The Good judgement sits alongside clear improvement priorities: early literacy and more targeted staff development.