London Road Playgroup And Pre-School

An outbuilding that children could reinvent each week gives London Road Playgroup And Pre-School its clearest character: children's ideas helped shape the space, rather than simply fill it. At its May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Outstanding across all judgement areas.

Based on Victoria Avenue in Worcester, WR5 1ED, the setting has 62 places in total. In May 2022, children attending were aged 0 to 4; that age range belongs to the setting at that time.

In May 2022, the Room of Requirement occupied a converted outbuilding, with children choosing its weekly identity and the materials it needed. A fairy-tale castle was one example. This gave children a practical role in planning their play, as well as opportunities to imagine and negotiate.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2022 activities connected learning through play with children's interests and next steps: building tracks involved discussion about shapes, while transporting bricks in a wheelbarrow required children to rethink their loading when bricks tumbled out.

Outdoor play happened daily in May 2022. Preschool children took part in a forest school session involving mud, buckets and work on a grassed area; staff connected this activity with the story Room on the Broom. Beams supported balance and jumping, while tweezers and crown-making developed precise hand movements.

The premises were used as a pack-away setting in May 2022. A photographic catalogue let children choose resources that were not already set out, and some days began with very little equipment displayed so children could discuss what they wanted. Choice depended on conversation as well as access to materials.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found highly effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, strong preparation for school and effective safeguarding arrangements. The special educational needs coordinator involved other professionals, and staff adjusted activities and routines to individual needs.

In May 2022, staff shared learning information with parents and involved them in their children's development. Children practised independence by changing clothes for physical activity and speaking to their friends during circle time; staff also passed information and assessments to onward schools. These were practical preparations for a change of setting.

Staff development in May 2022 included training, sharing new learning and observing colleagues' practice. Children also practised everyday safety, including using the stair rail, and staff taught courteous behaviour towards friends.

The address is London Road Playgroup & Pre School, Victoria Avenue, Worcester, WR5 1ED.

In May 2022, attendance was term-time only, Monday to Friday. The session choices were 9am to midday, midday to 3pm, or 9am to 3pm, giving families morning, afternoon and longer-day patterns at that time. Funded early education was provided for three- and four-year-olds in May 2022.

• Attendance now. The May 2022 timetable offered morning, afternoon and longer sessions during term time. What are today's accepted ages, session choices and funding arrangements?
• A pack-away setting. In May 2022, resources were selected through a photographic catalogue as well as displayed equipment. On a visit, explore how children make those choices and how the space works for your child.
• Outdoor participation. May 2022 activities included muddy play and physical challenges. Discuss clothing and your child's practical support needs when visiting.

Children's choices, daily outdoor activity and practical independence give the May 2022 account substance beyond its Outstanding grade. The setting suits families interested in child-directed play, with a historical attendance model serving both morning and afternoon sessions as well as a longer day. The dated timetable and inspection findings should frame, rather than replace, a decision about joining today.