Hummingbird Preschool

Nature, sign language and a mud kitchen shaped Hummingbird Preschool's May 2024 inspection picture. At its May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, with effective safeguarding and a curriculum that emphasised communication and the natural world. At that time, children learned through conversation, exploration and physical play.

Hummingbird has capacity for 34 children in Suton, near Wymondham. In May 2024, children attending were aged 0 to 4; babies, toddlers and older children had different experiences suited to their stage.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2024 activities brought that into everyday play: stories and singing supported language, while climbing, digging and wheeled toys gave children opportunities to move and explore.

Outdoor learning had substance. In May 2024, children explored nature and ecological ideas, and older children made pretend recipes together in the mud kitchen. These experiences connected learning about the environment with practical, shared play. Children also helped make decisions about their day, giving older children opportunities to practise making choices alongside others.

Babies received gentle attention in May 2024. Toddlers explored resources in calm surroundings, including using large equipment to construct shapes with staff. Familiar songs and stories encouraged participation, while staff used signs alongside speech to support communication.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff knew children well, supported behaviour through encouragement, and worked with parents and professionals on individual plans for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). That combination matters: everyday relationships and targeted support were both part of the assessment.

In May 2024, children sought comfort from staff, who gave them time and attention. Staff checked sun-safety ratings each day to guide protection outdoors. Regular supervision meetings supported staff wellbeing, and safeguarding discussions included what to do about concerns involving adults working with children.

There was a qualification to the positive picture. In May 2024, more confident speakers sometimes drew attention away from quieter children during conversations. Families with a child who needs encouragement to join in should give this finding particular weight.

The address is Unit 1, Great Expectations Business Park, London Road, Suton, Wymondham, NR18 9SJ.

In May 2024, the preschool operated Monday to Friday throughout the year, with session times of 7.30am to 6pm. It provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that time. These are dated arrangements rather than a current attendance offer.

• Quieter children. In May 2024, confident speakers sometimes received more conversational attention. On a visit, ask how staff make space for a child who is reluctant to speak.
• Purposeful teaching. The May 2024 improvement priorities included clearer learning intentions and closer observation of staff practice. Ask how managers now turn those observations into practical teaching support.
• Your attendance pattern. The May 2024 session window covered a substantial working day. Ask which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week.

Hummingbird's May 2024 picture suits families who value outdoor exploration, communication and learning through play. The mud kitchen, ecological learning and use of signs give that picture concrete substance. The balance is important: teaching intentions, staff monitoring and quieter children's participation were all areas needing attention. Those are useful priorities for a family visit.