Page Park Preschool, Forest School

In September 2022, treasure hunts, experiments with water and shared outdoor tasks characterised children's experience at Page Park Preschool, Forest School. Activities developed from children's curiosity, with Page Park itself providing the setting for exploration. It has capacity for 16 children.

At its September 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good overall and behaviour and attitudes Outstanding. The strongest examples concerned persistence and cooperation: children kept trying when an activity went wrong and took pride in completing a task together. These observations describe September 2022 practice.

In September 2022, children's interests shaped activities. An enthusiasm for digging prompted a treasure hunt; some children then made maps, while others investigated tree roots. A bucket of water became an opportunity to predict which objects would sink or float. The practical value was clear: children could follow an idea beyond its starting point.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2022 examples show learning through play, conversation and practical investigation.

Outdoor responsibilities also mattered that month. Children cooperated to move a fire pit across the field, and repeated attempts to inflate a balloon gave them practice in persevering. Books were accessible, but staff missed opportunities to use them to extend children's discoveries. Outdoor exploration was the stronger thread.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, good progress and inclusive support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, alongside close communication with parents.

In September 2022, staff encouraged children learning English as an additional language to share words from their first languages, and used signing to support communication. Children practised listening and taking turns in conversation. This gave language development a place within shared activities.

Safety was taught through practical routines that month. Children recalled rules, contributed their own and learned how to approach an open fire safely for marshmallow toasting. Staff assessed risks in the enclosed park and supervised children closely, allowing independence to develop alongside boundaries.

The setting's address is Page Park, Park Road, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5LB. The park setting is central to the outdoor experiences described above.

In September 2022, opening hours were Tuesday, 9am to midday, during term time. Children attending at that point were aged three to four. These are dated operating details, rather than a current attendance offer.

• Teaching consistency. In September 2022, the manager had limited time to observe staff and give feedback. More systematic monitoring was an improvement priority, relevant to how consistently children experience good teaching.
• Books alongside exploration. September 2022 practice did not make full use of books to deepen children's investigations. Families who value early reading should weigh this alongside the practical outdoor learning.
• Planning attendance. The September 2022 timetable covered a Tuesday morning in term time. What attendance pattern and accepted ages apply now?

The September 2022 picture suits families drawn to outdoor exploration, practical responsibility and learning led by children's interests. Persistence and cooperation were strong themes. The balanced judgement is Good overall, with books and the consistency of teaching identified for further attention; the dated Tuesday-morning timetable is essential context when weighing this provision.