William Farr Pre School

Play-dough pizza bases, snack-time maths and a daily helper role characterised learning at William Farr Pre School in January 2024. It has 22 places in total and operates on a primary-school site in Welton, Lincoln.

At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective, with a curriculum that helped children make progress. Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest examples involved everyday tasks becoming opportunities to learn.

In January 2024, the early years foundation stage shaped learning, development and care: children practised language, physical skills and mathematical ideas through play and everyday routines. Making pizza bases from dough exercised fingers and hands; cutting toast and bananas introduced ideas about halves and smaller pieces. Stories prompted children to listen and discuss characters.

The garden offered climbing apparatus and bicycles, giving children opportunities to practise larger movements. There was an important limitation: in January 2024, staff interaction outdoors needed strengthening so that play supported more learning.

Independence also had a recognisable place in the day. In January 2024, a daily helper role gave children responsibility, while sand timers helped them understand taking turns. Children contributed to the rules, making behaviour expectations something they could recognise and recall.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received effective support through a proactive special educational needs coordinator and collaboration with other professionals, and were progressing well towards their next educational stage.

In January 2024, staff encouraged confidence and emotional security, and parents received regular learning updates. However, quieter children did not consistently receive the help they needed to participate in group activities. That distinction matters: warm relationships and inclusive group teaching are separate strengths to assess.

The address is Welton St. Marys Church of England Primary Academy, School Drive, Welton, Lincoln, LN2 3LA. Attending the preschool does not guarantee a Reception place.

In January 2024, attendance was term-time only: sessions ran from 9am to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday and from 9am to midday on Friday. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These describe the arrangements at that time.

• Participation in groups. The January 2024 improvement priorities included adapting activities for quieter or less confident children. On a visit, ask how staff help a reluctant child join in.
• Learning outdoors. In January 2024, the garden supported physical play, but adult interaction needed developing. Ask how practitioners now extend learning around the climbing apparatus and bicycles.
• Attendance pattern. The January 2024 arrangements combined longer Monday-to-Thursday sessions with a shorter Friday. What attendance pattern can your family book now?

William Farr Pre School suits families drawn to practical learning and a preschool on a primary-school site. Its January 2024 picture combined longer term-time sessions on four weekdays with a shorter Friday session. The decision points are clear: participation for quieter children and the quality of teaching outdoors deserve close attention alongside the positive care findings.