The Old Station Nursery, Stratford-upon-Avon Preschool

Biscuit-making, animated storytelling and a garden obstacle course characterised children's learning in October 2024: practical problems, conversation and movement shaped the inspection-time experience. At its 7 October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated The Old Station Nursery, Stratford-upon-Avon Preschool Outstanding, highlighting purposeful teaching and children's confident learning.

The setting has capacity for 36 children in total. In October 2024, the children attending were aged three to four; the premises were purpose-built and stood within the grounds of Bishopton Primary School. That school-site setting is a useful practical distinction, but nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, giving their play an educational purpose. In October 2024, children explored autumn leaves and pumpkins, talked about shapes while making biscuits, and worked out how to soften butter for mixing. Everyday materials became opportunities to investigate and explain ideas.

Storytelling had a practical follow-through. In October 2024, staff varied their voices and used props to engage children; afterwards, children could use those same materials to recreate the story themselves. Listening led into remembering, speaking and imaginative play, rather than ending when the book closed.

Outdoor activity also involved making decisions. In October 2024, children could move freely into a large garden, where they constructed a course from blocks and planks, balanced across gaps and transported equipment using sack trucks. Painting on the fence and ground brought larger movements into mark-making. These were hands-on experiences with space to experiment.

The October 2024 activities also gave children reasons to compare and describe. Pumpkins prompted exploration of texture, shape and size, while autumn leaves offered different surfaces to examine. During baking, children considered how butter could be made easier to stir and recognised the shapes of their biscuit cutters. These examples connect early mathematical ideas with sensory exploration and conversation: children had something concrete to discuss, manipulate and test.

Stories offered another route into language in October 2024. Children supplied recurring words during the telling, then had access to the book and accompanying props afterwards. That arrangement gave them a chance to move from joining an adult's story to constructing their own retelling, using memory and imagination together.

At the October 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements and support that enabled children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to participate and progress, with staff adapting activities to their needs.

In October 2024, simple signs and visual aids accompanied conversation, helping children understand routines alongside their friends. Children also helped clear resources and prepare for lunch. Participation extended beyond planned activities into the ordinary responsibilities of the day.

Relationships were visible in those routines in October 2024. Staff knew children well and had established close bonds with them. Children treated friends with kindness, while adults modelled behaviour and involved children in conversations about expectations. Praise recognised children's efforts, including their contribution to clearing sand and putting resources away before lunch. For families, these are useful examples of how emotional support and growing independence worked together in everyday nursery life.

Communication with families combined daily discussion with photographs and detailed electronic records in October 2024. This gave parents concrete material for continuing conversations and learning at home. Staff also contacted other professionals promptly when children's needs required it.

Freshly prepared meals came from a nursery chef in October 2024, with individual dietary needs taken into account. Name cards with a red border helped identify children who needed particular foods avoided.

The address is Drayton Avenue, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9PB. In October 2024, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year apart from bank holidays; government-funded early education was provided for three- and four-year-olds.

Bishopton Primary School shared the site at that time. Families seeking a state-school Reception place still need to use the local authority admissions process. Nursery attendance does not replace that application.

• School-site expectations. The preschool occupied Bishopton Primary School's grounds in October 2024. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
• Settling and communication. Daily conversations and electronic updates supported family communication in October 2024. On a visit, ask how settling would be organised for your child and who would be your main contact.

This preschool suits families who value practical investigation, expressive storytelling and active outdoor play. Its October 2024 judgement gives those priorities substantial support: the detail beneath the grade includes children solving problems, rebuilding stories and taking responsibility for familiar routines. The school-site location adds practical interest, while the Reception decision remains separate.