The Learning Tree Pre-School

In April 2023, books, conversation and growing vegetables gave The Learning Tree Pre-School its clearest character. At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and highlighted excellent progress in speech and language. The setting has capacity for 32 children, at Muxton CP School in Telford.

In April 2023, children attending were aged three to four. The strongest practical thread was independence: choosing lunch, handling cutlery and changing into sports clothes gave children opportunities to practise doing things for themselves.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care; here, the April 2023 curriculum used stories to connect learning across its seven areas. Familiar books were revisited, with props and acting helping children explore their meaning. Stories also prompted drawing and early writing, allowing children to tackle different levels of challenge.

In April 2023, imaginative play included a pretend tea party with porcelain crockery. Outdoors, children planted beans, grew vegetables to eat and used ride-on toys and climbing frames. These experiences connected conversation, physical activity and practical exploration. Weekly exercise sessions also gave children practice changing their clothes.

In April 2023, assessment helped staff identify individual needs and organise targeted groups, including opportunities to practise listening and speaking with fewer children. Parents shared information about early development before attendance, while staff offered stories and strategies for use at home. That connected support across home and pre-school.

Food and self-care were linked in April 2023: children ate lunch in the school hall, selected food and carried it to their table. Parents contributed fresh fruit each week, and children ate snacks including apples and pears. These routines made healthy eating part of everyday experience.

Staff development also received attention in April 2023. Supervision helped practitioners choose further training, and staff felt listened to by the manager. Safeguarding practice included checks on staff suitability, assessments of environmental risks and cooperation with other agencies.

The address is Muxton CP School, Marshbrook Way, Muxton, Telford, TF2 8SA. In April 2023, opening hours were 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; funded early education was provided for three- and four-year-olds.

The April 2023 routines supported preparation for school through dressing, lunch choices and using cutlery independently. Attendance at the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Stretching children's thinking. The April 2023 inspection asked staff to make more of conversations during activities to extend children's thinking. Ask how practitioners now develop children's ideas beyond the first answer.
• Planning attendance. In April 2023, the pre-school opened from 8.45am to 3.15pm on weekdays during term time. What attendance arrangements and holiday cover would your family need now?

For families seeking preschool experiences built around books, conversation and practical independence, the April 2023 picture has clear appeal. Targeted language work and everyday self-care gave that approach substance. The improvement priority was equally specific: richer exchanges during activities to stretch children's thinking further.