Puddle-Ducks Pre-School

Pretend building sites, pirate play and a playground climbing frame give Puddle-Ducks Pre-School a recognisable character in its February 2023 account. Based at Scout & Guide Headquarters in Melbourne, it has 26 places in total. At its 2 February 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall and found safeguarding effective.

Children attending in February 2023 were aged two to four. The account centres on hands-on play, growing independence and conversations between children and adults, with specific improvements needed in teaching and language support.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play supports learning alongside everyday routines. In February 2023, children chose activities indoors and outdoors, practised pedalling tricycles and used scooters around playground cones. The climbing frame brought opportunities to balance and work out a safe descent.

Construction play made ideas tangible that February. Children dressed as builders, collaborated on a pretend house and discussed its roof; adults introduced language about shapes and compared wall sizes. Play dough gave children another way to create, using sticks to make snowman arms while exercising their fingers. These examples connect imaginative play with practical learning rather than treating them as separate parts of the day.

In February 2023, daily conversations and parent meetings connected families with children's care and learning. Staff also sent song lyrics home, giving parents a specific activity to share with their children. Calm discussions helped children resolve disagreements, while shared resources gave them practice in cooperating.

Everyday routines that February included putting on outdoor clothing, washing hands before snacks and pouring drinks independently. Staff meetings, appraisals and training supported the adults' practice, including work on encouraging imagination through natural materials.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified two improvements: helping less confident staff adapt adult-led activities to different learning needs, and strengthening vocabulary support, especially for children learning English as an additional language or experiencing speech delay. Those points matter alongside the positive examples: an engaging activity still needs an adult who can extend each child's learning.

The address is Scout & Guide Headquarters, Pack Horse Road, Melbourne, Derby, DE73 8BZ.

In February 2023, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that time. This was a daytime, term-time arrangement rather than an account of provision across school holidays.

• Teaching that stretches each child. The February 2023 improvement points concerned adapting activities and extending vocabulary. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how these are now addressed, especially if your child needs additional language support.
• Attendance fit. The February 2023 opening pattern was term time, between 9am and 3pm. What attendance arrangements would fit your family's week now?

Puddle-Ducks merits consideration for families drawn to practical, imaginative play and close communication about everyday learning. Its February 2023 account offers concrete examples, from collaborative construction to songs shared with parents. The dated term-time pattern will interest families seeking care around the school calendar; teaching adaptation and language support deserve equal weight in the decision.