The Grange Pre-School

Torches used to investigate an apparently empty paint tube capture the character of The Grange Pre-School: everyday materials became opportunities to think, experiment and solve problems in October 2022. Based at the Graham Adams Centre in Southam, it has capacity for 24 children.

Ofsted rated the setting Good at its 21 October 2022 inspection. Children attending then were aged 2 to 4; the strongest examples combined practical independence, conversation and an interest in books.

In October 2022, the art area gave children space to try their ideas, while staff used questions and allowed thinking time. A carrot-cutting activity showed children persisting with a practical task and taking satisfaction in mastering it. These were small, tangible steps towards doing things independently.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the October 2022 examples included experimentation, conversation and practical tasks, showing how learning could happen through play and everyday activity.

Story sacks contained objects and materials to accompany books and could be taken home, extending shared storytelling beyond the setting. That same month, comfortable spaces offered somewhere to pause with a book, and objects gathered from different parts of the world invited investigation. Children took part in local festivals and celebrations, and families were invited to join them, connecting children's experiences with the wider community.

At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described attention to individual needs, including special educational needs and disabilities, with leaders involving other professionals to obtain additional support. This combined attention to individual needs with access to help beyond the pre-school.

In October 2022, staff took account of home routines and family culture, helped children handle disagreements and feelings, and discussed handwashing and germs. Parents received updates about development and activities; stay and play sessions let them explore ways to support learning at home.

Staff development also received attention that month. Training responded to children's needs, supervision supported staff wellbeing, and leaders reviewed practice. Preparation for children's next developmental stages rested on understanding the individual child rather than treating everyone alike.

The address is Graham Adams Centre, St James Road, Southam, CV47 0LY.

In October 2022, opening hours were 9am to 3pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to midday on Friday, during term time. A lunch club ran from 12.05pm to 12.35pm, Monday to Thursday. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are historical arrangements, relevant to understanding the setting's sessional character.

• Singing and language. In October 2022, children enjoyed books and conversation, but opportunities to participate in songs and rhymes needed to become more regular. This was the specific improvement requested for communication development.
• Planning attendance. The October 2022 arrangements combined term-time opening with a lunch club. What attendance patterns and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?
• Learning together. Story sacks and stay and play sessions linked home and pre-school learning in October 2022. Families who value taking part have concrete examples of how that relationship worked.

The Grange Pre-School suits families drawn to practical exploration, shared books and close communication with staff. Its October 2022 picture was of children gaining independence through manageable tasks, with thoughtful individual support. The need for more regular singing adds a clear qualification to that positive judgement; attendance planning should take account of the age of the practical information.