Merry-Go-Round Pre-School

Bird feeders, planted bulbs and children choosing the songs give Merry-Go-Round Pre-School a practical, participatory character in its February 2024 account. This Stokenham setting has capacity for 20 children. At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall, found safeguarding effective and recognised a curriculum supporting children, including those with SEND, towards independence.

Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest examples connect conversation with something children can make, handle or choose, giving families a concrete picture of the learning day.

In February 2024, outdoor learning included making bird feeders: children explored sticky lard, discussed winter feeding and threaded cereal onto pipe cleaners. Planting donated daffodil bulbs brought another hands-on opportunity to discuss sunlight, rain and growth. These activities linked physical practice with understanding the natural world.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care. In the February 2024 day, this took practical forms through stories, creative work, conversation and outdoor activity. After hearing a traditional tale, children made gingerbread-man pictures using sequins, feathers and pom-poms; younger children practised attention through conversation, while older children retold the story and discussed the character's feelings.

Choice mattered too. In February 2024, children selected songs for group singing and worked together on a jigsaw, combining opportunities to speak up with shared tasks.

In February 2024, pamper sessions involved pyjamas and dressing gowns, with optional face painting and nail painting alongside conversations about feelings. Staff listened to children's opinions and talked about their abilities. Emotional expression had a place alongside practical learning.

Parents contributed by reading stories and helping with fundraising through Bingo nights and local fairs. However, at the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted asked for more consistent exchanges about learning at home and better interaction during quiet waiting periods so children could revisit their learning.

The address is Merry Go Round Pre School, Stokenham, Kingsbridge, TQ7 2SJ.

In February 2024, the pre-school operated Monday to Friday during term time, with sessions running from 9.15am to 3.15pm. It also offered funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that time. These are dated arrangements rather than a statement of today's booking options.

• Learning beyond the session. Consistency in home-learning exchanges was a February 2024 improvement point. Ask how staff now share ideas with families and use parents' feedback.
• Quiet parts of the day. Interaction while children waited was another February 2024 improvement point. A visit can explore how these pauses become opportunities for conversation.
• Term-time planning. The February 2024 pattern followed term time and daytime sessions. What attendance patterns and funded-hours arrangements now fit your family's week?

Merry-Go-Round suits parents drawn to the hands-on activities, child-led choices and parental involvement illustrated in February 2024. Its term-time session pattern at that date would suit families seeking care around that calendar. The Good judgement provides a useful inspection anchor, balanced by specific improvement points about home learning and quieter moments.