Midway Preschool

Dancing, caterpillar stories and dough weighed for maths gave Midway Preschool's March 2022 day a practical, playful character. Children used stories and ordinary materials to practise counting, then returned to those ideas through play. Learning extended beyond listening to an adult.

Ofsted rated the preschool Good on 31 March 2022. Based at Midway Hall in Swadlincote, it has capacity for 26 children; the children attending in March 2022 were aged two to four. The strongest detail from that period is the connection between conversation, hands-on activities and growing independence, alongside two clear areas needing improvement.

In March 2022, children counted caterpillars in stories, weighed dough and experimented with pouring water. These experiences brought number and measurement into play rather than keeping them within a group activity. Snow also prompted discussion about temperature, melting and slippery surfaces, linking new vocabulary to something children could observe.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the March 2022 examples show what learning through play could involve: building a block house with an adult, solving a jigsaw using shapes and colours, and finding space pictures with technology to develop a collage.

There were opportunities for messy play and visits to local woodlands in March 2022. However, group activities sometimes had unclear learning purposes, leaving children less interested in participating. That distinction matters: engaging individual experiences did not make every part of the routine equally effective.

At its March 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with additional needs or disabilities well included, with staff working alongside other agencies to set suitable learning targets. This gives families a dated assessment of both protection and support.

In March 2022, staff gathered information before children started and used their interests and family experiences when planning activities. Adults listened to children's ideas and joined their play, giving conversation a purpose beyond answering questions.

Independence was practised in manageable steps that month: children selected snack companions using name cards, poured drinks and spread cracker toppings. Staff also communicated with parents and other settings about children's next stage, connecting daily care with preparation for change.

The address is Midway Hall, James Street, Midway, Swadlincote, DE11 7NE.

In March 2022, the preschool operated on weekdays during term time, with session times of 9am to midday and 12.45pm to 3.45pm. It received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are dated arrangements, relevant when comparing the preschool's attendance model with a family's working week.

• Language support. In March 2022, some explanations were too complicated for younger children or those needing more help with language. Simpler vocabulary was an improvement priority, especially relevant for children developing speech.
• Purposeful group time. Group activities needed clearer learning aims in March 2022. Families weighing the experience should consider both adult-led routines and opportunities for individual play.
• Attendance planning. The March 2022 timetable comprised two separate session windows during term time. Which current attendance patterns would fit your family's week?

Midway Preschool merits consideration by families who value practical play, conversation and opportunities to build independence. Its March 2022 assessment was positive overall, but language support and the purpose of group activities deserve equal weight in the decision.