Woodville Pre-School

In January 2026, spinning chairs, sensory resources and small-group conversation gave Woodville Pre-School’s care a concrete character. At its January 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged inclusion, children’s welfare and wellbeing, and behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Exceptional; achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance reached Strong standard, and safeguarding standards were met.

Based at Woodville Youth Centre in Swadlincote, the pre-school has 38 places in total. Children attending in January 2026 were aged two to four. The strongest thread running through that January account is individual attention: activities, communication tools and emotional support were adjusted around children’s needs.

In January 2026, learning combined practical tasks with imaginative play. Children made smoothies, gardened and tried yoga, while real utensils gave snack preparation a useful purpose. Painting could involve brushes or hands; grass, flour and sticks became materials for play connected to a favourite story. These experiences gave children different ways to participate.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care. Here, the January 2026 curriculum emphasised language and children’s social and emotional development, with conversation woven into activities.

Small nurture groups concentrated on speaking, taking turns and understanding position words. Repeated vocabulary and visual communication supports offered routes into participation for children who were hesitant to speak. Outdoors, children practised riding bikes, jumping and running, with puddle suits helping them play in wet weather. Supported risk-taking let them test their capabilities.

At the January 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that carefully adapted support helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities participate and progress, while close relationships with key persons helped children settle.

In January 2026, staff watched for signs that a child might become distressed; spinning chairs and vibrating toys helped them regain calm. Breathing exercises and opportunities to spend time away from the main room gave children practical ways to handle overwhelming feelings.

Daily photographs and spoken updates kept parents involved in care and learning at that time. Support also reached beyond the nursery day: families received guidance on tooth care and toilet training, connections with health professionals, and help accessing clothing or food banks. Early referrals and collaboration with external professionals supported children needing additional help.

The address is Woodville Youth Centre, Moira Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, DE11 8DG. In January 2026, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

At that time, children helped make snacks, serve them and pour drinks. These tasks brought everyday independence into the day alongside play.

• Curriculum development. The January 2026 next step was to bring the curriculum for all children closer to the quality of the educational programme for children with SEND. This is the clearest development priority alongside the strong area judgements.
• Attendance planning. The January 2026 opening window ran from 9am to 3pm on weekdays. Which current booking patterns would fit your family’s working day?
• Emotional regulation. January 2026 practice included sensory resources and time away from the main room. These details matter for families whose children can become overwhelmed by group activity.

Woodville merits consideration for families who value practical learning and individually adapted care, especially those weighing support for communication or emotional regulation. The January 2026 account gives substance to that appeal through nurture groups, sensory resources and close parent communication. Its curriculum development priority remains part of the judgement, rather than being lost behind the Exceptional area grades.