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Playmates Pre-School (Raunds)

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2022)
·
5.0(17 parent reviews) ·Caretakers Bungalow, Windmill School, Raunds, NN9 6LA · North Northamptonshire
Number of places
31 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2022
Local authority
North Northamptonshire

About this day nursery

Playmates Pre-School in Raunds, established in 2000, provides a welcoming and friendly environment for children aged 2-4 years. 30pm, the pre-school offers full day care on non-domestic premises.

The latest Ofsted inspection, on 14 July 2022, rated the pre-school as 'Good'. Children are happy and settle quickly, showing a positive attitude towards their learning.

The pre-school places a strong emphasis on developing physical skills, with a well-resourced garden where children can enjoy activities like jumping on a trampoline, splashing in water trays, and engaging in imaginative play. The garden also features a shaded book corner for storytelling and opportunities for children to learn about nature by observing animals and plants.

Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by working alongside other professionals and assisting children to reach targets on support plans, ensuring good progress in their learning. Children with English as an additional language are also well supported, with staff using home language words alongside English to aid understanding.

The pre-school fosters strong links with the co-located school, utilising its facilities to help prepare children for their next stage in learning. Parents consistently express their satisfaction, highlighting the 'wonderful job' staff do.

What it's like

Children are happy and enjoy their time at this friendly pre-school, settling quickly and showing a positive attitude towards their learning. They develop physical skills in the well-resourced garden and engage in imaginative play and story telling. Staff encourage independence and teach children about safety and healthy choices.

Good Ofsted ratingHappy, friendly pre-schoolWell-resourced gardenSEND and EAL supportStrong school linksPositive parent feedback

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2000

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Playmates Pre-School (Raunds)

Last inspected 14 July 2022

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 are happy and enjoy their time at this friendly pre-school, settling quickly and showing a positive attitude towards their learning. They develop physical skills in the well-resourced garden and engage in imaginative play and story telling. Staff encourage independence and teach children about safety and healthy choices.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are happy and enjoy their time at this friendly pre-school.
  • Staff actively support children's emotional development and communication and language skills, bridging any learning gaps.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and English as an additional language are well supported.
  • Children enjoy exploring nature in the garden and learning about their community through regular walks.
  • The pre-school fosters strong links with the co-located school, using its facilities to prepare children for their next stage in learning.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to further improve their interactions with children during planned activities and daily interactions to extend children's learning, building on what they already know and can do
  • 2build on behaviour strategies to help all children enhance their understanding of how their feelings and behaviours affect others.
Inspection #10198253 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

parents say staff do a 'wonderful job'

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. Staff work alongside other professionals and assist children to reach targets identified on support plans, enabling them to make good progress in their learning.

Outdoor space

Children develop their physical skills as they explore the well-resourced garden, confidently jumping on a trampoline and splashing in water trays. Staff encourage children to join in story telling in the shaded book corner in the garden and children enjoy looking at different animals they find in the garden, learning about nature and the world around them. Staff also take children on regular walks outside the pre-school.

EAL / language support

Children with English as an additional language are supported well. Staff use words such as 'mum' in their home language, alongside the English word, to support the children to develop their understanding. The management team use additional funding appropriately.

Parent Reviews of Playmates Pre-School (Raunds)

5.0
(17)
Rebecca Ritchie
3 months ago

We've recently moved our son to Playmates and he has settled in so quickly. The staff have been absolutely wonderful with him, and we regularly receive photos and updates, which is so reassuring. He clearly enjoys his time there so much. Compared to one of the bigger chains he attended previously, it feels far more personal and like he is genuinely well cared for. The value for money is also much better. I honestly can't believe we didn't move him sooner - we are so glad we did 🤎.

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charlene Nash
3 months ago

We couldn’t be happier with the care our child has received at this nursery. The staff truly go above and beyond every single day. When our son first started, he was very shy and struggled to come out of his shell, but thanks to the patience, kindness, and encouragement from the team, his confidence has grown so much. Seeing him happy, settled, and excited to attend is incredibly reassuring for us as parents. We’re so grateful for everything they do and would highly recommend this nursery to any family.

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A Browning
3 months ago

Cannot praise this pre-school enough. Such caring and lovely staff. My little one has gained so much confidence and ability to make friends since being there. Always has fun and I feel happy that they are well cared for. Lovely communication and updates regularly

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Charlotte Sturgess
3 months ago

playmates are a fantastic place. my son has really came out his shell there and absolutely loves going and the ladies have done so much for my son to grow as an individual, makes me a proud and happy to see him enjoy himself. we thank you, would definitely recommend this playgroup to anyone.

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Viola Manciocchi
3 months ago

Both my children have gone to Playmates preschool, they loved going. Always happy to go in and always come out happy. The staff are all so nice and more than happy to help with any worries with your child.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Playmates Pre-School (Raunds). See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: November 2003

  • August 2022Good
  • July 2022Good
  • January 2016Outstanding
  • December 2015Outstanding
  • November 2012Requires improvement
  • October 2012Requires improvement
  • June 2010Outstanding
  • June 2010Outstanding
  • December 2005Requires improvement
  • November 2003Good

Frequently asked about Playmates Pre-School (Raunds)

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