Bishops Tachbrook Pre-School

A Teepee used for reading and a story that prompted children to challenge who could become a doctor give Bishops Tachbrook Pre-School its character. In March 2024, children’s interests shaped activities, with mathematics woven into play and practical independence built into the day.

At its 13 March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The setting has capacity for 24 children; those attending in March 2024 were aged two to four. Its inspection picture combines engaging individual activities with two clear priorities: stronger preparation for school friendships and more opportunities for quieter children to contribute.

In March 2024, the pre-school occupied a classroom within Bishops Tachbrook C of E Primary School. The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care: here, the inspection-era examples included stories, number games, imaginative play and everyday self-care.

Children’s interest in Teepees led staff to provide a Teepee for shared reading. With Zog and the flying doctors, children questioned the idea that girls could not become doctors, opening up discussion of their ambitions. These were activities with something to say, rather than simply ways to fill time.

Mathematics took practical forms. In March 2024, staff used sandcastle play to explore weight and how much buckets contained, alongside individual games involving numbers and phonics. Indoors, play dough exercised fingers and drawings of flowers opened discussion about plant growth. Outside, a water tray supported pouring, scooping and invented potions. Children could stay with an activity that interested them.

In March 2024, staff collected detailed information from families at the start and used observations to plan around children’s interests. Speech and language screening helped identify where additional support was needed. Staff were also undertaking training relating to special educational needs and disabilities.

Communication with families included emails and a parents’ evening each term. Children practised dressing and toileting independently, linking care routines with preparation for school. Individual time with key children provided another opportunity for staff to tailor activities.

The March 2024 inspection described summer-term visits from Reception teachers to share stories and help children become familiar with them. Familiar adults were useful, but opportunities to interact with future peers needed further development. Quieter children also needed more space to express themselves in group activities.

The address is Bishops Tachbrook C Of E School, Kingsley Road, Leamington Spa, CV33 9RY.

In March 2024, the pre-school operated on weekdays during school terms, with session times of 8.30am to 3.30pm. It provided funded early education for children aged three and four at that time.

The school-site setting does not guarantee a Reception place.

• School friendships. In March 2024, transition work needed more opportunities for children to meet peers. Ask how those opportunities now complement visits from Reception teachers.
• Quieter voices. Group activities did not consistently give less confident children time to contribute in March 2024. Ask how staff make room for their ideas.
• Attendance pattern. The March 2024 sessions ran during term time, from 8.30am to 3.30pm. What current booking pattern would fit your family’s week?

The March 2024 picture suits families drawn to interest-led play, practical mathematics and growing independence in a school-site pre-school. Its appeal rests on concrete experiences, from shared Teepee reading to number language during sandcastle play. The two improvement priorities matter: preparation for new friendships and participation for children who are less ready to speak up.