Pilgrims Way Pre-School

In May 2025, the host school's meadow connected learning at Pilgrims Way Pre-School to seasonal change and wildlife. In May 2025, children explored it to observe squirrels and bugs, bringing learning beyond the indoor activities.

At its 13 May 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the pre-school Good overall and found safeguarding effective. The setting has 28 places in total and is based at Leys Primary School in Stevenage. Children attending at that visit were aged 2 to 3; that is an inspection-time age range.

In May 2025, the curriculum followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Play connected language, creative work and exploration: children made flower pictures using paint and forks, drawing on what they had learnt about growth.

Communication had a practical place in the day. In May 2025, children learnt the sign of the week, while staff helped them pronounce words. Taking turns to add a picture to the daily timeline also gave children a concrete opportunity to practise patience.

Outdoor experiences extended those ideas. Alongside meadow exploration, children mixed soil and water in pretend soup-making with friends. A visiting professional led physical activities involving balance and jumping, giving children opportunities to persevere with movement challenges.

The teaching needed greater precision. In May 2025, group discussions about yesterday and tomorrow moved beyond younger children's understanding of time. Mathematical vocabulary featured during snacks, but staff did not consistently extend children's thinking during play. These are useful distinctions between providing an activity and adapting its challenge to the child.

At the May 2025 inspection, Ofsted found support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities very effective, including assessment software, individual support plans, tailored strategies and work with external agencies. Staff also supported parents through referrals, giving families a practical route into additional help.

In May 2025, open days gave parents opportunities to discuss achievements and learning priorities with their child's key person. Guidance covered toilet training and oral health. Communication between those events needed improvement, however: parents who could not attend, or whose child's learning priorities changed, did not consistently receive specific guidance for learning at home.

The address is Leys Primary School, Ripon Road, Stevenage SG1 4QZ. In May 2025, opening hours were 8.40am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. At that date, the pre-school provided government-funded early education for eligible children.

In May 2025, the partnership with the host school included access to its grounds. Attendance at the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Teaching challenge. The May 2025 improvement priorities included adapting group teaching to individual needs and extending mathematics. During a visit, ask how activities now challenge children at different stages.
• Learning updates. In May 2025, communication outside open days needed development. Ask how learning priorities and practical home activities are now shared between meetings.
• School connection. Access to the host school's grounds supported outdoor learning in May 2025. Keep the separate Reception application in your plans.
• Attendance arrangements. The May 2025 opening pattern was term time. What attendance patterns and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?

Pilgrims Way Pre-School merits consideration for families interested in creative play, language activities and access to school grounds. In May 2025, teaching challenge and parent communication were priorities for improvement alongside the Good overall judgement. For families whose schedules follow school terms, the inspection-time opening pattern is a useful starting point.