Aveton Gifford Pre-School

A forest school area and story-led outdoor play give Aveton Gifford Pre-School a recognisable character: in January 2025, staff joined children in dramatising a familiar book, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, through shared outdoor play. The setting has capacity for 20 children at The Hive in Aveton Gifford.

At its January 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective, with a curriculum that used children's existing knowledge to develop their learning. Two priorities temper that positive picture: helping children understand how they affect others and giving them more opportunities to work out answers independently.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday skills into their education. In January 2025, staff revisited earlier learning and introduced vocabulary through stories and activities; children then used new words in their own outdoor car games.

Daily outdoor play supported balance and strength. The forest school area also provided space for storytelling beyond the indoor setting. Children chose their own play materials, while practical tasks offered chances to persevere: toddlers pouring milk could try again after a spill rather than treating it as failure.

Independence had limits, however. Adults sometimes supplied answers during fruit-counting conversations instead of letting children reason them out. This matters for families who want everyday routines to build confidence in solving problems, as well as confidence in asking for help.

At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff recognised additional learning needs, introduced support and worked with professionals, drawing on information from parents and children's earlier settings. That made communication between adults part of the support process.

In January 2025, calm encouragement helped children attempt unfamiliar tasks, and staff taught practical self-care such as managing coats, shoes and handwashing. Toothbrushing activities included packs to take home, connecting healthy habits across the setting and family life.

School preparation included weekly lunches and fortnightly stay-and-play visits to the local school. Staff also took part in school training and observed practice at other pre-schools, linking transition work with their own development.

The address is The Hive, Pulleys Close, Aveton Gifford, Kingsbridge, TQ7 4JE.

In January 2025, opening hours were 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with a before- and after-school club each day. Children attending at that inspection were aged 2 to 11, and the pre-school received funding for free early education. These are dated arrangements rather than a current booking timetable.

• Independent thinking. In January 2025, adults sometimes gave children solutions too quickly. Look for opportunities during a visit for children to test their own ideas.
• Understanding kindness. Children practised considerate behaviour, but in January 2025 they did not consistently consider how their words or actions affected others. This is a useful priority to discuss with staff.
• Your attendance pattern. The January 2025 provision combined pre-school care with a daily before- and after-school club. Which current ages and booking patterns would fit your child?

Aveton Gifford Pre-School suits families drawn to outdoor storytelling, practical independence and links with the local school. Its January 2025 provision served both early-years children and those needing care around school hours. The important balance is between encouraging children to try and allowing them time to think for themselves.