Pennymoor Preschool Nursery

Photographs on a registration board and pictures of emotions gave children a practical way to express how they felt at Pennymoor Preschool Nursery in December 2024. That small routine captures the emphasis on independence and conversation.

Ofsted judged the nursery Good on 12 December 2024. Based at the Community Centre in Wilnecote, Tamworth, it has capacity for 30 children; children attending at the December 2024 visit were aged two to four.

In December 2024, children played and learnt in groups organised by age. Younger children practised handling spoons and scoops while making reindeer food; older children explored quantities by filling cups to make snowmen. Practical activities brought hand control and mathematical language into play.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the December 2024 activities connected those requirements with stories, conversation, movement and hands-on play.

Daily garden time included scooters and balance bikes, with children steering around toys and one another. Diwali activities involved stars and bright colours, introducing a cultural celebration through things children could explore.

At the December 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements and very good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with staff and parents working together to secure early help and support individual progress.

In December 2024, staff gathered information from parents when children first started and used their interests to shape activities. Parents contributed to progress checks at age two and received updates about learning, giving home and nursery a shared picture of development.

Children practised washing their hands independently and pouring drinks. Fresh fruit featured at snack time, and individual dietary requirements were catered for.

The address is Community Centre, 26 Pennymoor Road, Wilnecote, Tamworth, B77 4LG.

In December 2024, attendance was term-time only, Monday to Friday: sessions ran from 9am to 3.45pm Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 12.30pm on Friday. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children at that time. The shorter Friday session made the weekly pattern different from a uniform five-day schedule.

• Time to answer. In December 2024, staff sometimes moved to another question before children could respond. Ask how adults now give children thinking time during stories and conversation.
• Different families. December 2024 activities included Diwali, but children needed more opportunities to encounter positive representations of people and families unlike their own. On a visit, ask how books and play materials now address this.
• Term-time planning. The December 2024 attendance pattern ended earlier on Fridays and covered term time. How would that pattern fit your family's weekly and holiday childcare needs?

Pennymoor's December 2024 picture suits families seeking term-time attendance, with longer sessions Monday to Thursday and a shorter Friday session. Practical play, garden activity and parent involvement gave the day clear substance. The questions to pursue are specific: how staff extend children's thinking, and how everyday materials represent different families.