Playaway Preschool

Wooden-block roads, vegetable weighing and stories with actions give Playaway Preschool's May 2023 provision a practical, playful character. Based at Kingswood Congregational Church in Kingswood, it has capacity for 38 children in total.

At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, found that children made good progress through an inclusive curriculum, and judged safeguarding effective at that date. A later regulatory finding matters to the decision: in November 2024, Ofsted found unmet requirements and required procedures for children's health needs and targeted support for children needing additional help.

In May 2023, children built roads and car ramps with wooden blocks, searched for bugs in the mud kitchen and investigated shadows using rechargeable torches. Younger children selected pictures to choose songs. These examples gave children a say in their play, alongside opportunities to explore and talk.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its inspection-era delivery included learning through play: vegetables went onto weighing scales, while water filled measuring pots. Staff needed to extend older children's mathematical thinking more consistently.

During May 2023, Shark in the Park prompted children to act out looking through telescopes. Pine cones and flowers at snack time encouraged conversation about growing things. Climbing walls provided physical challenges, while making pretend cakes with play dough exercised smaller hand movements.

In May 2023, key persons sang softly during nappy changes, and staff helped children learning to feed themselves. Children could choose when to have their snack, pour drinks and serve themselves food. Those routines made everyday care an opportunity to practise independence.

School preparation at that time included information-sharing meetings and planned visits by local teachers. Moving between age groups needed more attention: younger children required stronger support to participate fully after moving into the older group.

The November 2024 regulatory outcome required a procedure involving parents or carers when responding to children's health needs, alongside targeted help for children requiring additional support, including SEND. That published outcome said the response would be monitored. It is the latest published position in this regulatory history, rather than evidence of either completion or continuing non-compliance today.

The address is Kingswood Congregational Church, Hanham Road, Bristol BS15 8PW. In May 2023, Playaway operated as a pack-away preschool in a church hall, opening from 8am until 4pm during term time only. Children attending at that inspection were aged 0 to 4.

At the same date, the preschool received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. These are inspection-time arrangements, so they describe the offer at that point rather than a current booking commitment.

• Health and additional support. The November 2024 actions concerned responses to health needs and individual support. Ask how these procedures now work with families and how targeted help is planned.
• Moving between groups. Younger children's transitions were an improvement priority in May 2023. On a visit, explore how familiar adults help a child settle into the older group.
• Extending mathematical learning. In May 2023, weighing and measuring were part of play, but older children's learning needed greater challenge. Ask for examples of how practitioners build on what a child already understands.

Playaway's inspection-era character suits families who value practical exploration, conversation and growing independence. The May 2023 term-time opening pattern would suit care organised around the school calendar. The November 2024 requirements concerning health and additional support deserve close attention.