Acorns Pre-School

Milk crates, wooden planks and home-grown food gave Acorns Pre-School a practical character in March 2022. In March 2022, children built obstacle courses, tested their balance and compared the growth of their plants. These were experiences that gave children something to do, discuss and solve.

Based at Cockington Primary School in Torquay, Acorns has capacity for 68 children and accepts ages 24 to 60 months. At its March 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall, with Outstanding judgements for behaviour and attitudes and personal development, and found safeguarding effective.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the March 2022 examples included practical independence, conversation and learning through play. Younger children practised putting on shoes; older children explored shapes. Time with a key person helped staff build activities around children's abilities.

In March 2022, outdoor play involved balancing and climbing on constructions made with crates and planks. Growing pumpkins, strawberries, sweetcorn and beans added another kind of hands-on learning, with children discussing which plants had sprouted. These activities connected physical exploration with opportunities to notice change and talk about it.

Regular outings at that time included the train station, shops and beach. Learning about Uganda and taking part in African drumming extended children's experiences beyond their immediate surroundings. Mathematics was less consistently extended during freely chosen play, however: recognising shapes was a starting point that staff needed to develop further.

At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that communication support, including signing and visual prompts, helped children make progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. That finding gives useful substance to the account of inclusion, rather than a general promise of support.

In March 2022, staff used individual settling strategies and worked with local speech therapists. Parents could follow children's development through an online system. Children also practised everyday independence at snack time, preparing fruit, pouring drinks and cleaning their dishes afterwards. Care included helping children do things for themselves.

The address is Cockington Primary School, Old Mill Road, Torquay, TQ2 6AP. Being on the school site does not guarantee a Reception place.

In March 2022, opening hours were 8am to 6pm on weekdays during term time, including breakfast and after-school clubs; holiday opening ran from 8am to 5.30pm. At that time, Acorns received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe the inspection period.

• Mathematical challenge. In March 2022, staff needed to extend children's existing mathematical understanding more consistently during free play. This matters for children ready to move beyond recognising shapes.
• Starting school. The March 2022 findings called for stronger information exchange with the on-site school so children could settle more quickly. Physical proximity alone did not make transition seamless.
• Attendance planning. The March 2022 opening arrangements distinguished term time from school holidays. At a visit, which current booking patterns would fit your family's working week?

Acorns suits parents who value practical independence and outdoor exploration within a preschool setting. Its March 2022 offer included both breakfast club and after-school club, making those dated arrangements relevant to families considering care around the school day. The March 2022 findings give parents who value practical independence and outdoor exploration useful detail to weigh alongside the mathematics and school-transition concerns. The March 2022 picture combines confident physical play and considerate behaviour with specific work needed on mathematical challenge and school transition. Those details provide a more useful basis for choosing than the overall grade alone.