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Little Bears Pre School

Ofsted: Good
(May 2023)
·
5.0(1 parent reviews)
·Little Bears, Brickley Lane, Devizes, SN10 3BF · Wiltshire
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
Wiltshire

About this day nursery

Little Bears Pre-School, established in 1974, provides a nurturing environment for children aged 2-4 years in Devises. Originally named New Baptist Playgroup, it relocated to a purpose-built facility within Nursteed Community Primary School in 2009, offering access to school amenities and secure outdoor spaces.

The pre-school prioritises a child-centred approach, fostering learning through play and encouraging exploration, creativity, and independence. Their dedicated team, all qualified in paediatric first aid, safeguarding, food hygiene, and allergy awareness, are committed to providing tailored learning experiences that enable each child to reach their full potential, socially, emotionally, and academically.

Little Bears Pre-School maintains strong partnerships with parents and the local community, and works with external agencies to enhance outcomes for children. Recognised with an "Ofsted Good" rating in May 2023 and a Wiltshire Early Years Reading Award, Little Bears is also a registered charity.

Our ethos

We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life, and understand the crucial role these early years play in shaping a child’s future. Our dedicated team is committed to fostering a space where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is nurtured and individuality is embraced. We strive to create an atmosphere where children feel valued, empowered and motivated to explore, learn and grow. By providing these foundations and tailored learning experiences, we aim to ensure each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive socially, emotionally and academically, setting the groundwork for a future filled with success and endless possibilities.

What it's like

Children confidently separate from their parents/carers and eagerly enter the pre-school, showing a positive attitude towards their learning and engaging in play. Staff welcome children warmly and have conversations with them about their family lives, showing they know the children well. Children have formed secure attachments with staff and feel safe and secure, joining in group times and confidently expressing their wishes.

Child-centred ApproachLearning Through PlayExperienced and Qualified StaffOfsted Rated GoodRegistered Charity

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged at an hourly rate and billed termly, with sessions offered as mornings, extended mornings including lunchtime, or full days. An optional snack charge applies per session. Government funding is accepted for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds for up to 38 weeks of the year.

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Good to know

  • Fees are payable termly.
  • An optional snack charge is billed per session.
  • Packed lunch must be provided from home for the morning and lunch session.
  • Accepts 15 and 30 hours funding for eligible children from age 2.
  • Funding is available for 38 weeks of the year.

Key facts

Session types

Morning Session, Morning and Lunch, Full Day Session

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm

Age range

2-4 year olds

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2016

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Bears Pre School

Last inspected 23 May 2023 · Charlotte Jenkin

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

What it's like to attend

Children confidently separate from their parents/carers and eagerly enter the pre-school, showing a positive attitude towards their learning and engaging in play. Staff welcome children warmly and have conversations with them about their family lives, showing they know the children well. Children have formed secure attachments with staff and feel safe and secure, joining in group times and confidently expressing their wishes.

Inspector highlights

  • Children confidently separate from their parents/carers and eagerly engage in play, showing a positive attitude towards their learning.
  • Staff effectively support children's communication and language, including those learning English as an additional language, through lively conversations and encouraging them to recall stories and sing songs.
  • The manager uses additional funding well to target support for children, such as introducing yoga techniques and providing books to help children manage their emotions.
  • Children have plenty of opportunities to be outside and in the fresh air, developing their balancing skills and coordination.
  • The manager has clear priorities for improvement, including setting up a lending library to encourage parents to support children's learning at home.

Areas to develop

  • 1place more focus on what children need to learn next when implementing the curriculum, including for those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to help them make the best possible progress
  • 2train staff to place a stronger focus on supporting children's early mathematical skills during activities and routines
Inspection #10293540 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents and carers express how happy they are with the progress their children are making at pre-school. They say that their children have made particularly good progress in speech and language and in their social skills with other children, which they were behind in following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parents and carers know what their children need to learn next and are pleased with any specialist support staff have sought for their children to help them catch up.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff are quick to seek additional support for those children who may be behind in their development. The manager uses additional funding well to target support for children, such as introducing yoga techniques to help them feel calm and investing in books to help them understand their feelings. Parents are pleased with any specialist support staff have sought for their children to help them catch up. However, the curriculum does not always sufficiently focus on the key areas some children with special educational needs and/or disabilities need to learn next to close gaps in learning as quickly as possible.

Outdoor space

Children have plenty of opportunities to be outside and in the fresh air. They develop their balancing skills and coordination and negotiate space well. Staff take the children to the conservation area for more active play, such as running around. Children learn the importance of keeping themselves healthy, knowing they need to wear hats and put on sun cream when it is sunny outside. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and the impact this was having on children's learning.

Parent Reviews of Little Bears Pre School

5.0
(1)

Reviews from Google for Little Bears Pre School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: October 2018

  • May 2023Good
  • October 2018Outstanding

Frequently asked about Little Bears Pre School

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