Hatfield Heath Pre-School

In June 2022, counting apple slices, discussing stories and visiting classrooms in the school building gave Hatfield Heath Pre-School a recognisable character. At its June 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective, while asking staff to give the most able children greater challenge.

The pre-school has 28 places in total. Children attending in June 2022 were aged two to four; the account below describes practice and attendance arrangements at that time.

In June 2022, learning drew on children's interests. A family farm visit could lead to books about animals and drawings of equipment, giving children a connection between their experiences and their play. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care: here, its everyday expression included stories, counting and activities chosen by children.

Younger children explored story sacks in small groups, while older children discussed a large book and predicted the next part of the story. Snack time also became a maths opportunity, with apple pieces used to explore counting and fractions. These examples made learning part of ordinary routines.

The challenge was uneven. In June 2022, younger children persevered with puzzles, but adults sometimes completed tasks that more able children could have attempted themselves, including cutting medal shapes and threading string. That reduced opportunities to practise independent skills.

In June 2022, staff collected developmental information before children started and used it to plan activities around individual needs. Managers also helped parents with eating and behaviour, connecting support at home with expectations at pre-school. Children practised cooperation by negotiating turns with toys and helping to clear them away.

At the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that classroom visits and visits from teachers supported preparation for school, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Meeting teachers and exploring the school building gave that preparation a concrete form.

Food was part of the care routine: in June 2022, staff supplied nutritious meals and encouraged children to try unfamiliar foods.

The address is Hatfield Heath CP School, The Heath, Hatfield Heath, Bishop's Stortford, CM22 7EA.

In June 2022, attendance was term-time, Monday to Friday. Session times were 8am to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 8am to 1pm on Monday and Friday. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that date.

The pre-school's on-site school connection does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Challenge for confident learners. The June 2022 improvement point concerned extending the most able children's learning. During a visit, ask how staff now help children attempt practical tasks themselves.
• Term-time attendance. The June 2022 pattern combined longer sessions midweek with earlier finishes on Monday and Friday. How would the current booking pattern fit your working week?
• School transition. Classroom and teacher visits formed part of preparation in June 2022. This practical connection should be considered separately from the Reception admissions decision.

Hatfield Heath Pre-School's June 2022 practice suited families drawn to interest-led play and practical preparation for school. Its June 2022 arrangements served both those seeking longer midweek sessions and those using shorter Monday or Friday sessions. The strongest decision point is the balance between supportive routines and enough independence for children ready for greater challenge.