East Leake Pre-School Playgroup

Bubble counting, ribbon artwork and outdoor balancing give East Leake Pre-School Playgroup a recognisable character: learning built into play rather than separated from it. These were features of its February 2022 provision, for children aged two to four. The setting has capacity for 36 children at The Old School in East Leake.

At its February 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The main reservations concerned how readily adults supplied answers and how little thinking time some children received.

In February 2022, play carried clear learning intentions. During a bubble activity, adults introduced counting and words about size and direction. Older children carefully attached ribbon to artwork, practising hand control and persistence; younger children used picture cards together, taking turns to identify images. These examples show how ordinary materials could support different stages of development.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, its practical expression in February 2022 included language and mathematical learning through play. Adults incorporated children's next steps into activities connected with their interests.

Outside, in February 2022, older children practised balancing independently on beams. That physical challenge gave them an opportunity to judge movement and risk for themselves. Indoors, younger children shared programmable toys, including a music player, with turn-taking built into the activity.

At its February 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that staff supported children needing additional help well, identifying learning gaps, involving other professionals early and giving parents ideas for learning at home. This joined support across the setting and family life rather than leaving parents to work separately.

In February 2022, older children used a feeling board to communicate their emotions. Adults talked through feelings and helped children return to play after becoming upset. Staff also discussed toothbrushing, linking care routines with children's understanding of health.

Safeguarding practice in February 2022 included daily checks of play areas, close supervision and controlled access for visitors. These are dated observations of how care operated, rather than a description of today's staffing arrangements.

The address is The Old School, School Green, East Leake, Loughborough, LE12 6LG.

In February 2022, attendance ran on weekdays during term time. Session windows were 8.50am to 11.50am and 8.50am to 3.30pm, with an afternoon session from 11.50am to 3.30pm. That arrangement served both shorter attendance and a longer day.

In February 2022, the playgroup provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Space to think. In February 2022, adults sometimes intervened before children could solve problems themselves. Ask how practitioners now encourage independent thinking, especially among older children.
• Time to answer. The February 2022 findings also called for longer pauses after questions. This matters for children who need time to formulate a response rather than follow an adult's answer.
• Term-time attendance. The February 2022 pattern combined shorter sessions with a longer day during school terms. Does the current attendance pattern fit your family's working week and holiday needs?

East Leake Pre-School Playgroup's February 2022 provision suits families seeking play-led learning, with practical examples spanning language, counting, physical confidence and emotional expression. Its attendance model then accommodated both shorter sessions and longer days, including an afternoon option. The central consideration is how adults balance helpful guidance with giving children enough time to think independently.