Bicton Heath Pre-School

A bridge built from blocks, dinosaur conversations and shared stories give Bicton Heath Pre-School a recognisable character: play with plenty of opportunities to talk and cooperate. These were features of daily life in January 2023, rather than a description of today's provision.

At its January 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the pre-school Good overall and found safeguarding effective. The setting has 24 places in total; those attending in January 2023 were aged two to four. Its address is Pensfold, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, SY3 5HF.

In January 2023, the curriculum followed the early years foundation stage, which sets out children's learning, development and care. Imaginative play, conversation and making things put it into practice. Children invented stories with costumes and props, then used collage and pencils to make caterpillar pictures. These activities gave them different ways to express ideas.

Cooperation had a practical purpose. During that January, children constructed towers to support a block bridge, while dinosaur play prompted questions about names and size. Sand exploration brought discussions about the textures and colours of shells and treasure. Adults joined the play, although opportunities to extend vocabulary and mathematical thinking were sometimes missed.

Outside, in January 2023, children practised controlling ride-on toys. Perimeter fencing and a locked gate controlled access to the grounds: outdoor movement took place within a defined boundary.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements helped children settle and that staff supported language development through descriptive group games, visual prompts and books in two languages. A familiar adult offered comfort when needed, giving children a route back into shared activities.

During January 2023, parents contributed information about their child's interests and abilities each term. Staff used this in individual planning and shared next steps with families, connecting activities at the setting with support at home. Staff also discussed their practice through observations of colleagues and meetings; managers recognised a need for further training.

Meals were social occasions in January 2023, with staff joining children for lunch. Families supplied packed lunches, and children helped distribute plates and toast; opportunities to pour drinks and use cups at snack time needed further development.

In January 2023, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday, during term time. That timetable concentrated attendance into the school-term routine. The pre-school then received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four.

The setting occupied grounds belonging to Oxon C of E Primary School in January 2023. Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place; families still use the local authority admissions process.

• Independence at snack time. In January 2023, pouring drinks and using cups offered too little practice. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how children now take responsibility for these tasks.
• Challenge within play. January 2023 activities sometimes missed chances to extend vocabulary and mathematical understanding. Look for how adults develop a child's ideas beyond the initial activity.
• Attendance planning. The January 2023 timetable ran Monday to Thursday in term time. What attendance patterns and hours can the pre-school offer your family now?

The January 2023 picture of Bicton Heath Pre-School will appeal to families who value conversation, imaginative play and support from a familiar key person. Its January 2023 strengths were concrete: collaborative construction, individual planning with parents and support for communication. Greater challenge during activities and more opportunities for self-care were the corresponding priorities for improvement.