Little Bears Pre School

Strawberry growing, storytelling and outdoor play give Little Bears Pre School a recognisable character in its May 2023 daily life. Based on Brickley Lane in Devizes, it has capacity for 24 children. Its appeal rests on the detail of children's experiences rather than a named educational brand.

At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective, with most children progressing well, including children learning English as an additional language and those receiving additional funding. Children attending then were aged two to four. These are dated findings rather than a description of today's groups.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines support their development alongside planned activities.

In May 2023, children remembered growing strawberries and explained the roles of sunlight and water. Staff encouraged them to revisit earlier experiences, giving practical learning a life beyond the original activity. Story conversations included imagining different endings, while group singing gave children another way to practise language.

Outdoor activity also had a clear place in May 2023. Children practised balance and coordination, and trips to the conservation area provided space for running. Discussions about hats and sun cream connected outdoor play with caring for themselves.

In May 2023, staff talked with children about their families, and children confidently shared their ideas during group activities. Turn-taking games gave them practice in waiting while another child chose an object. This made social learning part of play rather than simply a rule to follow.

Visitors had introduced yoga techniques by May 2023, and books helped children explore feelings. These gave children concrete ways to talk about emotions and practise calming themselves.

The May 2023 inspection also identified two priorities: Ofsted asked staff to target children's next learning steps more precisely, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and to strengthen their support for early mathematics. Those priorities matter alongside the positive findings: an engaging activity needs to address what an individual child is ready to learn.

The address is Little Bears, Brickley Lane, Devizes, SN10 3BF. In May 2023, the pre-school operated within the grounds of Nursteed Primary School and opened on weekdays between 9am and 3pm during term time. That timetable fitted the school day rather than an extended working day.

In May 2023, it received funding for free early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Attendance at the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Individual learning. The May 2023 improvement priorities included sharper planning for each child's next steps. Discuss how staff now choose and review those steps for your child.
• Early mathematics. Staff training was another May 2023 priority. A visit is an opportunity to explore how counting and other mathematical learning now feature in play and routines.
• Attendance fit. The May 2023 timetable was term time, 9am to 3pm. What attendance arrangements would apply to your child now?

Little Bears suits parents who value conversation, practical play and opportunities to learn outdoors. Its May 2023 character was that of a term-time pre-school, with a Good judgement and specific curriculum priorities to weigh alongside it. The strongest decision point is how its individual learning and mathematics provision now build on those dated findings.