Stoke Holy Cross Pre-School

A sandpit, meadow outings and a library bus gave Stoke Holy Cross Pre-School a practical, local character in September 2025. The setting has 15 places in total in Stoke Holy Cross, at The Pavilion on Long Lane, Norwich, NR14 8LY.

At its 12 September 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to three; that is an inspection-time age range.

In September 2025, imaginative play connected storytelling with hands-on exploration: a pretend bus journey developed into beach play using the sandpit. Children also revisited Goldilocks and the Three Bears through oats, spoons and differently sized bowls and bears, giving them objects with which to explore the story.

The early years foundation stage sets out children's learning, development and care; in September 2025, this took shape through stories, imaginative play and physical activity. Outdoors, obstacle courses gave children practice in jumping, balance and running. Meadow visits included bug searches and releasing butterflies after learning about their life cycle. The library bus and sports days on the local field brought community facilities into children's experience.

In September 2025, home visits helped staff get to know families before children started. Comfort when children became upset and sand timers for taking turns gave children concrete support with feelings and sharing. Parents received assessments of their children's development.

School preparation included visits from teaching staff and sharing children's interests and development with schools. A local dentist also visited to introduce oral-health messages. These were practical connections between preschool life and children's next steps.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted identified two improvements: giving children more opportunities to manage everyday tasks themselves, and ensuring planned activities achieved their intended learning. At meals, adults supervised eating, but prepared fruit and adult-handled drinks and crackers left fewer opportunities to practise serving, pouring and using cutlery.

In September 2025, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. That schedule matters for families arranging care around working hours and school holidays.

The preschool offered funded early education to eligible children at that time. Eligibility remained a condition of that offer.

• Everyday independence. In September 2025, children had too few opportunities to serve food or pour drinks themselves. At a visit, ask how these tasks now form part of the day.
• Purposeful activities. The September 2025 improvement point concerned putting intended learning into practice. Ask how staff adapt an activity when children need a different level of support.
• Term-time routine. The September 2025 opening pattern followed term time, with a 3pm finish. How would the current attendance arrangements fit your family's working week and holiday care?

The September 2025 picture suits families looking for community outings, stories and outdoor play. Home visits and school-transition work added useful personal connections. The decision also needs to account for the two improvement points: children's everyday independence and the delivery of planned learning.