Brambles Pre-School and Out of School Club

Sensory play and preparation for school give Brambles its character: in May 2026, children experimented with outdoor paint mixing, practised pouring drinks and chose where to play. Based at Thorns Community Infant School in Kenilworth, it has capacity for 70 children in total.

At its May 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas to meet the Expected standard and safeguarding standards to be met. This was a report card with separate assessments, rather than an overall grade.

In May 2026, the children attending were aged two to four. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning and care, with play developing communication, physical skills and social understanding.

During that month, sensory activities included exploring mud, rice and paint. Cars on ramps prompted new vocabulary, while counting objects and recognising shapes brought mathematics into play. These were practical experiences children could join through their interests.

In May 2026, tunnels, large tyres and scooters provided physical challenges, with climbing equipment and space for movement outdoors. Children also mixed powder paint and water through movement. Indoors, pretend tea-making gave friends opportunities to play together and discuss everyday ideas, including waiting for a hot drink to cool.

In May 2026, each child's key person provided a familiar relationship, and stories about feelings helped children discuss emotions. Settling observations and assessments informed individual learning plans; staff involved parents and external services, including speech and language support, when needed.

Quiet spaces and fidget toys were among the resources used that month to help children manage their emotions. Family sessions included wider relatives, giving family members a part in nursery life.

Parents supplied lunchboxes in May 2026, with staff encouraging healthy choices; children selected milk or water at snack time. Handwashing and managing toileting were also part of practising independence.

School preparation extended beyond daily routines. In May 2026, teachers visited the setting and practitioners prepared transition reports, helping the receiving school understand children's learning and care needs.

The address is Thorns Community Infant School, Blackthorn Road, Kenilworth, CV8 2DS. In May 2026, opening hours were 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; these describe the opening window at that time.

Being based at the school does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Teaching and transitions. At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted identified inconsistent questioning, insufficiently targeted staff supervision and uneven use of communication strategies during transitions. Families whose children need support with changes of activity should weigh these findings alongside the individual planning described above.
• School connection. Teacher visits and transition reports were part of practice in May 2026. They support continuity, but attendance carries no guarantee of a Reception place.
• Attendance planning. Which booking pattern would suit your child's age and the hours your family needs?

Brambles merits consideration for families who value play-based learning and preparation for school within a school setting. Its May 2026 picture combines hands-on sensory experiences, familiar key-person relationships and practical independence with clear development needs around teaching supervision and communication during transitions. Those needs matter most for children who rely on consistent adult prompts to understand the next part of their day.