Thurlton Pre School

Shaving foam became a surface for practising name letters at Thurlton Pre School in December 2023, with children checking their attempts against name cards. That small example captures a practical approach to early learning: an appealing activity linked to a clear next step.

Based at Thurlton Village Hall, the pre-school has 20 places in total; those attending in December 2023 were aged two to four. At its December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated provision Good, found that children progressed well and received strong SEND support, and judged safeguarding effective.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, connecting play with developing communication, physical skills and independence. In December 2023, language work included songs, stories and staff describing children's play, with time for children to think before answering.

Small tools gave early writing a practical foundation that month. Children picked up pompoms with tweezers and handled scissors and glue spreaders during craft activities, exercising the finger control needed for writing. Movement games involved penguin waddles and nutcracker marching, giving balance and coordination a playful purpose.

Sharing and tidying also formed part of the December 2023 day. Children invited others to join them at meals and put toys back carefully. Staff reinforced considerate behaviour through reminders about gentle hands and safe movement.

In December 2023, settling sessions were adjusted through continuing conversations with parents as children's needs changed. Flexibility mattered here as a response to the individual child, rather than a fixed settling timetable.

Close relationships were evident that month: children sought staff out to join their play, while conversations about feelings gave them opportunities to express emotions. For children with SEND, staff used signing and visual cues, making communication support concrete. Parents received children's next learning steps so activities at home could connect with their experiences at pre-school.

Safety routines in December 2023 included daily premises checks and explanations of hazards, such as toys left where someone could trip. Staff refreshed their child-protection knowledge through training. Leadership work also included supervision, feedback from colleagues observing practice and encouragement to explore new ideas.

The address is Thurlton Village Hall, Beccles Road, Thurlton, Norwich, NR14 6AJ.

In December 2023, attendance ran during term time on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with sessions from 9am to 3.30pm. This was a pattern spread across selected weekdays, an important distinction for families organising their working week.

That month, the pre-school offered funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Everyday independence. In December 2023, adults sometimes poured drinks and served fruit for children, reducing opportunities to practise those tasks themselves. More chances to manage snack-time tasks were the improvement priority.
• Attendance fit. The December 2023 pattern covered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during term time. At a visit, ask which attendance arrangements now apply and how settling sessions would work for your child.

Thurlton's December 2023 account suits families who value hands-on early learning, personal communication and settling arrangements adapted to the child. The combination of sensory letter-making, fine-motor activities and practical communication support gives substance to that judgement. Independence at snack time was the clear area needing attention, while the term-time pattern across selected weekdays is central to assessing its practical fit.