Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Nov 2021)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·West Street, Helpston, PETERBOROUGH, PE6 7DU · Peterborough
Number of places
20 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2021
Local authority
Peterborough

About this day nursery

Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives offers high-quality childcare and education, aiming to provide children with the best possible start in life within a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. The playhouse supports children in developing confidence, knowledge, and skills essential for thriving.

It operates as a Preschool and Out of School Club, working collaboratively with families to enhance the well-being, inclusion, and positive developmental outcomes for all children. Helpston Playhouse has received an "outstanding" rating from Ofsted and currently has availability in its Preschool, Breakfast Club, and Out of School Club during term time.

The setting is committed to fostering a love of nature and offers experiences like Forest School. The staff are described by parents as kind, patient, and possessing "super-powers," helping children to blossom and become confident individuals.

Parents frequently praise the engaging activities, particularly outdoor play, that the playhouse provides, distinguishing it from other settings.

Our ethos

Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives is committed to fostering a love of nature and offers Forest School experiences. They aim to provide children with the best possible start in life, developing their confidence, knowledge, and essential skills within a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. The playhouse actively collaborates with families to enhance children's well-being and positive developmental outcomes.

What it's like

Children thrive at this excellent pre-school, arriving confidently and eager to start the day. They display exceptional behaviour, showing respect for others and taking responsibility for their environment. Children are confident talkers and actively participate in learning about sustainability and healthy living.

Ofsted OutstandingForest SchoolTerm-time onlyWrap Around Care

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured hourly for pre-school sessions and out-of-school clubs, with distinct age bands for ages two and three plus. Breakfast clubs are charged per child. Invoices are issued termly with payments split into monthly installments.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-oldsTax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Invoices are issued termly with payments made monthly.
  • Accepts Childcare Vouchers, Tax-Free Childcare, and early years government funding.
  • Offers 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week, subject to availability.
  • Late pick-up fees apply after 5:30pm.

Key facts

Opening hours

We offer outstanding childcare available from 7:30am until 5:30am

Session types

Early Bird Breakfast Club, Breakfast Club, Pre-School, Out of School Club

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

1972

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives

Last inspected 2 November 2021

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children thrive at this excellent pre-school, arriving confidently and eager to start the day. They display exceptional behaviour, showing respect for others and taking responsibility for their environment. Children are confident talkers and actively participate in learning about sustainability and healthy living.

Inspector highlights

  • Leadership is extremely strong with a clear vision and well-sequenced curriculum.
  • Staff are highly reflective practitioners, continuously improving learning experiences.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with additional funding are exceptionally well supported.
  • Staff engage children in meaningful conversations, stories, songs, and rhymes, fostering rich vocabulary and confident communication.
  • Staff expertly weave mathematical language and concepts into play, helping children develop early maths skills.
  • Children learn how to keep themselves healthy and safe, understanding healthy food choices and engaging in active play, while staff help them manage risks.
Inspection #10072715 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents are very positive about the pre-school and staff. They state that their children's needs are well met and that staff have provided useful information to help them understand how to support their child's learning. Parents feel very well informed about their child's day.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children in receipt of additional funding are exceptionally well supported. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to identify where additional support will help the individual child, reviewing their progress to ensure effectiveness. Recent funding has been used insightfully and has successfully enhanced children's communication and language development.

Outdoor space

Children take responsibility for helping to keep the environment safe for their friends, raking and collecting fallen leaves for the composting bin, and learning that compost helps plants grow. They plant, nurture, and harvest a wide range of fruit, herbs, and vegetables with staff. Children count and identify the numbers of stepping logs in the garden when they investigate creatures found under them, and learn about taking measured risks when climbing trees or using the climbing frame.

Parent Reviews of Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives

5.0
(2)
Emma Wright
3 years ago

So lucky to have this little gem on our doorstep. The staff are so warm and caring, the range of activities the children get involved with constantly amazes me, and most important of all, my sons have loved it. Sad that the youngest will soon be moving on from the preschool, but they'll both be sticking around for the out of school club!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2021
  • November 2021Outstanding
  • March 2016Good
  • March 2009Outstanding

Frequently asked about Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more