Montacute Pre-School

Toast-making, favourite books and learning to manage emotions give Montacute Pre-School's March 2022 account its character. Everyday tasks became opportunities for children to practise independence, talk and take responsibility. The setting has capacity for 24 children, with premises at the Baptist Church Schoolrooms, Montacute, Somerset.

At its March 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good overall, judged behaviour and attitudes Outstanding and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four. Those judgements belong to that visit, rather than describing a newly assessed offer.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care: it brings education and everyday care together, rather than treating them as separate parts of the day.

In March 2022, language and social development shaped the curriculum. Conversations about superheroes and home life gave children familiar subjects to discuss, while adults introduced vocabulary and helped them recall earlier learning. Pictures, signs and words supported individual language activities.

The book area was a concrete part of that experience. In March 2022, children selected favourite stories and enjoyed books independently, with friends or alongside staff. Choosing the story gave them a reason to concentrate. Breakfast also offered practical learning: children helped prepare food, counted the crockery needed and took turns making toast.

Outdoor play took place daily in March 2022, with wet-weather clothing supporting time outside. The limitation was teaching challenge: adults did not consistently extend children's understanding outdoors as effectively as they did indoors.

At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that the SENCo and manager worked effectively with families, other providers and external agencies to support progress, including for children with special educational needs. Observations helped staff identify children's next steps.

In March 2022, staff helped children recognise emotions, share and act kindly. Warnings before a change of activity gave children time to finish their tasks. Daily conversations with parents kept information moving between home and pre-school.

Shared premises brought a practical responsibility. In March 2022, staff assessed risks associated with sharing the building, understood how to raise safeguarding concerns and carried out recruitment and ongoing suitability checks. Handwashing and stories about food, teeth and bodily care formed part of children's health learning.

The address is Baptist School Rooms, South Street, Montacute, TA15 6XD.

In March 2022, opening hours were 8am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8am to 12.30pm on Tuesday, and 8am to midday on Thursday. These were opening windows, rather than specified bookable sessions.

In March 2022, the pre-school received funding for early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated participation statement, rather than a current funding arrangement.

• Outdoor challenge. In March 2022, outdoor teaching did not consistently stretch children's understanding as effectively as indoor teaching. Ask how outdoor activities now extend children's thinking.
• Solving problems. In March 2022, adults sometimes supplied solutions too quickly. Look for examples of children being given time to work things out themselves.
• Attendance fit. The March 2022 opening pattern combined longer days with shorter Tuesday and Thursday hours. Which current attendance pattern would fit your family's week?

Montacute's March 2022 account suits parents who value practical independence, conversation and considerate behaviour in a village pre-school. The book area and breakfast activities make that approach tangible. The balance is clear: positive inspection judgements sit alongside specific improvements needed in outdoor challenge and children's opportunities to solve problems independently.