Haslingfield Little Owls Preschool

A climbing tree, worm discoveries and books borrowed for home give Haslingfield Little Owls Preschool's June 2022 day a recognisable character. Outdoor exploration sat alongside conversation and growing independence. At its 21 June 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good overall.

Based at The Methodist Church in Haslingfield, the setting has 20 places in total and accepts children aged 24 to 60 months. That is whole-setting capacity, rather than a daily group size.

In June 2022, children explored nature by digging for worms and comparing their shapes with familiar numbers and letters. A large tree provided climbing and imaginative play. These were concrete opportunities to connect movement, observation and early learning, rather than separate activities confined to a table.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2022 examples included stories, conversation, physical activity and practising everyday independence. Children borrowed books with their own library cards, taking reading beyond the preschool session and into time with parents.

Communication also had a practical addition. In June 2022, some practitioners used Makaton sign language to support interactions during sessions. Children changed their clothes for a weekly physical education session, giving them practice with a routine relevant to starting school.

At the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with ongoing suitability checks and staff who understood how to respond to welfare concerns. This is a dated judgement.

During June 2022, Digby, a hand puppet, helped staff explain safe tree climbing and why grapes should be cut. Risk awareness was made understandable through concrete examples children could relate to. Staff also adapted the daily routine and surroundings to individual needs.

Relationships were visible in ordinary exchanges: in June 2022, children shared experiences from home with practitioners and played with friends. They practised hygiene and other self-care skills. Staff helped them talk about feelings, although understanding how their actions affected others remained an improvement priority.

The address is The Methodist Church, High Street, Haslingfield, Cambridge, CB23 1JW. Opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the preschool closes for school holidays. Families needing care through those holidays should factor that closure into their plans.

In June 2022, the preschool provided funded early education for eligible two-, three- and four-year-olds. That describes participation at the inspection date, rather than a current funding arrangement.

• Extending learning. In June 2022, staff did not consistently stretch children's learning. On a visit, ask how practitioners now build on a child's ideas and introduce the next challenge.
• Understanding others. Helping children recognise the effect of their behaviour was another June 2022 improvement priority. Ask how staff support children through disagreements and help them understand another child's feelings.
• Term-time planning. The preschool closes during school holidays. Its attendance calendar therefore needs to fit the family's wider childcare arrangements.

Haslingfield Little Owls Preschool suits families seeking term-time preschool provision for children aged 24 to 60 months. Its June 2022 character combined outdoor discovery, books shared at home and practical independence. The Good judgement gives a positive dated assessment, balanced by clear priorities around extending learning and developing consideration for others.