Levendale Under Fives Group

Story cushions, shaving foam and a Happy Flower for talking about feelings give Levendale Under Fives Group its character. These were concrete features of daily life in January 2023, with play linking language, early writing and emotional understanding.

At its 19 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. The setting has capacity for 26 children and is based at Levendale Primary School in Yarm; children attending at that inspection were aged two to three.

In January 2023, stories became shared play: children used a log cushion while enjoying Room on the Broom, and acted out a familiar bears-and-porridge story. This gave them opportunities to remember a story and use its language themselves.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care, with learning through play illustrated here by storytelling, movement and exploration. In January 2023, shaving foam supported sensory play and mark-making, while older children experimented with recognisable letters and numbers. An interest in frogs became a way to explore size and where objects belong.

Indoor movement also mattered that January. Running and jumping games gave children opportunities to develop their muscles and respond to instructions. Outdoor learning was weaker: children who preferred being outside did not have equally useful learning opportunities throughout the year.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff recognised additional needs through assessment and worked with parents and professionals to adapt learning, with all children making progress. This is useful evidence for families whose child needs support tailored to their development.

In January 2023, the Happy Flower helped children recognise their feelings and think about others. Toothbrushing after snacks combined a health habit with learning about time, using a sand timer. Staff also exchanged information with parents to connect care and learning at home and in the setting.

Professional development needed greater precision that January. Mandatory training was maintained, but further training was not sufficiently directed towards improving staff practice.

The address is Levendale Primary School, Mount Leven Road, Yarm, TS15 9RJ.

In January 2023, opening hours were 8.45am to 12.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during term time, with extended sessions until 3pm on Tuesday and Thursday. The setting then received early education funding for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

Being based at Levendale Primary School does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Outdoor learning. Year-round outdoor opportunities needed improvement in January 2023. At a visit, ask how children who prefer learning outside are supported now.
• Staff development. More precisely targeted professional development was another January 2023 improvement point. Ask how training has changed everyday practice.
• Attendance fit. The January 2023 timetable combined shorter opening days with extended sessions. What attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangements would suit your child now?

Levendale's January 2023 picture suits families who value story-led play, early mark-making and practical help with emotions. Its attendance pattern then served both shorter term-time days and extended sessions. The balance is clear: engaging indoor experiences, alongside outdoor provision and staff development that needed attention.