Longwell Green Pre-School

Minibeast hunts, building blocks and a garden for cycling give Longwell Green Pre-School a practical, play-centred character in its July 2024 account. Based at Longwell Green Community Association on Shellards Road, Bristol, BS30 9DU, it has capacity for 38 children.

At the 4 July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children progressed well from their starting points. The children attending then were aged three to four; that is a dated picture of the group, rather than a current admissions age range.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, connecting everyday play with their development. In July 2024, activities included drawing ladybirds, investigating a small solar fountain and using containers to explore measurement through water play.

The garden gave children room to practise movement: they could cycle, balance, run and play ball games. Construction with blocks and artwork offered different ways to explore ideas. These were concrete experiences, with opportunities to experiment and practise physical skills.

During that July visit, stories and songs were accompanied by signing and visual prompts to help children understand language. Older children followed their interest in mark-making, including writing their names. However, planned activities did not consistently start from what children could already do, and staff sometimes lacked a precise learning intention.

In July 2024, preparation for joining included a home visit and stay-and-play sessions for every child. This gave staff information about families and individual needs before attendance began. Information about children's learning was also shared with parents, connecting their experiences at home and pre-school.

Daily conversations covered feelings and behaviour. Children practised waiting, sharing and taking turns, including waiting to use the climbing frame. Healthy routines were discussed through food choices, tooth care and hygiene. Staff also held regular meetings with the manager about their wellbeing and professional development.

The address is Longwell Green Community Association, Shellards Road, Bristol, BS30 9DU.

In July 2024, opening hours were 9am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday, with Friday opening from 9am to 1pm, during school terms. At that time, the pre-school provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe the inspection period.

• Purpose of activities. In July 2024, learning intentions were sometimes insufficiently precise. Families should look for examples of how an activity builds on their child's existing skills.
• Understanding other lives. In July 2024, festival celebrations did not give children enough opportunities to explore differences between people and their lives. Broader everyday experiences matter alongside occasional celebrations.
• Attendance planning. The July 2024 timetable had an earlier Friday finish and operated during school terms. What attendance arrangements now apply for a child joining?

Longwell Green Pre-School's July 2024 picture suits families who value garden play, practical exploration and preparation before joining. Home visits and stay-and-play sessions gave that preparation a concrete shape. The Good judgement provides a positive dated assessment, balanced by clear priorities for more purposeful activities and a broader understanding of other lives.