Central Preschool

In June 2024, colour mixing, number songs and care-home visits gave Central Preschool an emphasis on exploration and contact with others. At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall, found safeguarding effective and recognised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language.

The preschool has 24 places in total and is based at Landau Forte Academy in Tamworth. In June 2024, children attending were aged two to four. That age range describes the children at that visit.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines provide opportunities to practise communication, movement and social skills.

In June 2024, children investigated colour combinations while making potions, with staff helping them test their ideas. Story activities included inventing magic words, while actions and questions encouraged children to recall language and complete sentences. These were practical ways to bring conversation into play.

Five Little Ducks, a counting song, was accompanied by rubber ducks that children removed as they sang. Counting, recognising numerals and arranging objects by size gave mathematics a physical form. Repeating action and number songs also gave children further opportunities to practise concentrating.

The wider experience included care-home visits and visiting local authors sharing stories. Children also took part in activities planned with young people from the on-site school. These encounters extended their experience beyond the preschool's immediate group.

In June 2024, staff used signing, gestures and translation tools to help communication, alongside screening to identify speech or understanding difficulties and plan targeted help. Books about feelings supported conversations about emotions; food vouchers and referrals to external agencies helped disadvantaged families.

Independence was practised through small responsibilities, including collecting water bottles and sun hats before outdoor play. Children shared tasks at a water dispenser, and staff reinforced turn-taking through specific praise. Allergy information was displayed for staff at mealtimes, while training on vegan diets supported awareness of different nutritional needs.

Parents received updates through conversations and an app carrying photographs and ideas. However, closer communication with families, other professionals and previous settings was needed to connect children's learning more effectively. The manager's direct work with children also reduced opportunities to oversee colleagues, leaving some procedures and practice inconsistently implemented. Both were June 2024 improvement priorities.

The address is Landau Forte Academy, Ashby Road, Tamworth, B79 8AH. In June 2024, opening hours were 8.45am to 3.30pm on weekdays during term time, and the preschool received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four.

The preschool occupies a school site. Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; families still need to follow the relevant school admissions process.

• Continuity of learning. June 2024 priorities included stronger links with families and previous settings. At a visit, ask how information about a child's earlier experiences shapes their starting activities.
• Oversight of practice. The manager's time working directly with children limited monitoring in June 2024. Ask how supervision now ensures that procedures are followed consistently.
• Attendance arrangements. The June 2024 opening pattern was term-time weekdays. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?

Central Preschool suits families drawn to the practical exploration, language-rich activities and community encounters described at its June 2024 inspection. Its June 2024 experience combined small steps towards independence with targeted communication support. The decision should also weigh the two clear improvement priorities: continuity between settings and consistent oversight of staff practice.