Brooksite Under 5's

In March 2023, puppet storytelling in a wicker shelter and cycling on an outdoor slope gave Brooksite Under 5's a recognisable preschool character. In March 2023, children combined imaginative play with physical challenges, from sharing stories to finding their balance outdoors.

Ofsted rated the setting Good on 28 March 2023 and judged safeguarding effective. Brooksite has 18 places in total in Belper. Its address is C/O Belper School on John O'Gaunts Way (DE56 0DA). Children attending in March 2023 were aged two to four; that age range belongs to that visit.

In March 2023, children's interests helped shape activities. An interest in torches became an exploration of light and shadows, with staff darkening the room so children could investigate. This gave a familiar plaything a learning purpose.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: play sits alongside learning practical skills and building relationships. In March 2023, children practised dressing for outdoor play and cutting an apple safely at snack time. These were useful opportunities to attempt everyday tasks themselves.

Outdoor activity also involved gradual challenges that March. Staff supported bike riding on the incline, while a slide and balancing beam offered other ways to practise movement. Indoor and outdoor spaces were frequently accessible, giving children different settings for their play.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefited from work with health visitors, speech and language therapists and other settings involved in their care.

In March 2023, information from parents helped staff establish children's starting points and plan their next learning steps. Consistent staff helped children build close relationships, while adults encouraged cooperation during activities such as filling bottles with sand. Parent views also informed changes, including a planned move towards online communication.

In March 2023, attendance followed school terms, across five weekdays. Thursday offered a morning session from 9am to midday; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday had sessions from 9am to 3.20pm. The distinction matters for families arranging a full week's childcare: Thursday finished earlier.

That March, Brooksite received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. These attendance and funding details describe the arrangements at that time.

• Staff deployment. In March 2023, some children waited for toilet assistance while staff supervised others. More effective deployment was an improvement priority, with a direct bearing on everyday care.
• The afternoon routine. In March 2023, extended free play after lunch left some children bored, and rising noise disrupted others' learning. Better organisation of routines and activities was the other improvement priority.
• Term-time attendance. The March 2023 pattern combined longer sessions with a Thursday morning. At a visit, ask how today's attendance options fit your week and school holidays.

Brooksite's March 2023 picture suits families seeking term-time preschool with both morning and longer daytime sessions. Interest-led exploration, outdoor movement and practical independence gave children concrete ways to learn. The Good judgement sits alongside two meaningful priorities: staff deployment and the organisation of the day.