Holy Apostles Pre-School in Cheltenham has been rated Good in all areas by Ofsted, following an inspection that highlighted the setting’s welcoming atmosphere, personalised curriculum, and enthusiastic children. Located within Holy Apostles C of E School on Battledown Approach, the pre-school serves 32 children aged two to four and employs five qualified staff.
Inspectors commended the pre-school for creating a “homely and well-organised” environment where children feel confident and eager to learn. The report emphasized the staff’s dedication to fostering independence, curiosity, and communication skills through meaningful conversations and engaging activities.
Children showed strong motivation during group music sessions led by visiting professionals, where they attentively participated and shared ideas. Outdoor and imaginative play were notable features, with children exploring mathematical concepts through block matching and applying self-care strategies like the “superhero method” for putting on coats. The outdoor play area frequently transforms to support thematic play, such as pretending to be pirates under a pirate flag, encouraging rich vocabulary development with words like “compass.”
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Ofsted praised the staff’s commitment to professional growth, noting their ongoing research into effective teaching methods and outdoor play benefits. While the transition to primary school is generally well supported, inspectors suggested improving information-sharing with receiving schools to ensure smoother transitions.
Technology use was identified as an area for growth. Although children enjoy educational games and practice turn-taking, staff are encouraged to enhance learning around safe technology use, including awareness of screen time and internet safety.
The pre-school enjoys strong partnerships with parents, who appreciate the personalised induction process and value the setting’s positive impact on their children’s development. Safeguarding practices were found effective, with a culture focused on children’s wellbeing.
Children’s physical skills benefit from ample outdoor play, where they learn to manage risks safely. For example, they wait for staff before sliding down the “pirate ship” pole, demonstrating an understanding of safety.
Operating during term time from 9am to 3pm, Holy Apostles Pre-School has maintained a Good rating since its previous 2019 inspection. Run by the Holy Apostles' Pavilion Groups Committee since 1994, the staff hold strong qualifications, including a manager with a level 6 qualification and qualified teacher status.
The report concluded with two recommendations: to provide more learning opportunities about digital technology risks and to enhance collaboration with local schools for smoother transitions. Overall, Holy Apostles Pre-School offers a supportive, stimulating foundation for children’s early social and academic development.