Forget Me Not Pre-School

In December 2024, play dough, car ramps and conversations about how pencils work shaped children's practical learning at Forget Me Not Pre-School. At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The important qualification concerned older children, whose activities needed more challenge to hold their attention.

Based on Linden Road in Yeovil, the pre-school has 28 places in total. Children attending in December 2024 were aged two to four; that age range describes the inspection group.

In December 2024, children chose resources independently, with staff adapting their involvement to different stages of development. Younger children investigated cars on a ramp, while older children explained their drawings and identified colours. These were useful opportunities to combine exploration with conversation.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the December 2024 curriculum emphasised language, emotional and social development, and physical skills, giving everyday play a clear educational purpose.

Making play dough brought several skills together: children mixed ingredients, poured water and counted flour. Staff also used a discussion about pens and pencils to introduce vocabulary and explain differences between materials. Outside, sharing ride-on toys gave children practice in taking turns.

Parents contributed conversations about festivals and significant occasions. In December 2024, these exchanges helped children explore differences between families. Older children's involvement in activities was less consistent, however, making the level of challenge an important consideration.

At the December 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff identified learning gaps and worked with parents and other professionals to support children with additional needs, including using pictures and signs to aid communication. This gave children ways to express themselves beyond spoken words.

In December 2024, relationships with staff helped children settle and begin playing. Communication with parents included practical help with toilet training, behaviour and emotions, alongside resources to continue learning at home. Support therefore reached beyond the pre-school day.

Staff training had also informed activities for balance, coordination and larger movements. Families received information about healthy eating and dental care, linking children's physical development with everyday wellbeing.

The address is Linden Road, Yeovil, BA20 2BH. In December 2024, the pre-school operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm, and offered government-funded places. These arrangements describe that period rather than a current booking commitment.

• Challenge for older children. In December 2024, some older children moved away from activities quickly because the learning did not stretch or engage them sufficiently. During a visit, ask how activities now extend children who are ready for more.
• Term-time planning. The December 2024 pattern was weekday sessions from 9am to 3pm. How does the current session and holiday arrangement fit your family's working week?

The December 2024 picture suits families seeking term-time preschool sessions with practical play, language-rich interaction and close communication with staff. The strongest examples connect ordinary activities with useful skills. For families with older preschool children, the decisive question is how consistently that learning now offers enough challenge.