“A safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children feel valued and secure” – that is how inspectors have described life at a Cullompton preschool following its latest Ofsted inspection.
Noah’s Ark Preschool, based at Cullompton Baptist Church on the High Street, was inspected on 4 December 2025. The setting, which is registered for 34 children aged two to four, was found to be meeting the expected standard across all areas, with safeguarding arrangements judged to be effective.
Inspectors reported that “the safeguarding standards are met”, meaning that “leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, children are made safer and feel safe” .
Achievement was also found to be at the expected standard. The report states: “Children typically make good progress from their starting points, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They benefit from effective one-to-one and small-group interventions, which support their access to and engagement with the curriculum. Practitioners prompt positive interactions between children and adults, modelling conversations and introducing new vocabulary”.
Inspectors observed children demonstrating focus and determination in their play. “Children are motivated by the activities on offer and demonstrate perseverance and resilience when challenges arise. For example, they use a range of scissors and glue to cut and stick small gems and jewels when making Christmas baubles for friends and family. Most children sustain concentration and show curiosity, which reflects their positive attitudes towards learning”.
Behaviour and attitudes were also praised. According to the report, “Children form secure and positive attachments with their key persons, which strongly supports their emotional wellbeing and readiness to learn. Most children, regardless of their age, are highly engaged in activities and consistently demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning”.
Leaders and staff were commended for the culture they have created. “Leaders and staff have high expectations for children’s behaviour and attitudes. This creates a culture of patience, respect, resilience and curiosity. Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of developing children’s personal, social and emotional skills. They support children to manage their own feelings and behaviour through sensitive and purposeful interactions”.
Children’s welfare and wellbeing are said to be central to the setting’s work. Inspectors found: “The setting places a strong emphasis on supporting children’s welfare, mental health and wellbeing, especially for those children who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff are responsive to the needs of young children, offering comfort, reassurance and encouragement when required. They build warm and trusting relationships that promote children’s confidence and independence, helping children to develop essential self-care skills”.
The curriculum was described as “carefully planned and sequenced to ensure that children make progress in their communication, physical development and independence. Staff’s interactions are purposeful, enabling children to develop the skills they need to transition into the next stage of their learning”.
Inclusion is another strength. The report notes: “Parents and carers speak positively about the setting’s effectiveness in identifying and supporting their children’s individual needs. This includes securing additional funding and working collaboratively with external agencies to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)”.
Leadership and governance were also found to meet the expected standard. “Leaders have a secure understanding of the setting’s context. They place the best interests of children at the heart of all decision-making. Leaders maintain strong partnerships with parents and carers and professionals, enabling children to settle quickly when they join the setting”.
Overall, inspectors concluded that children at Noah’s Ark Preschool “settle quickly into their day, supported by well-established routines and knowledgeable staff” and that “staff, parents and carers and children feel a strong sense of community and belonging”.
