Bolsover First Steps Pre-School

Real carrots, safe knives and pretend cooking gave play a practical edge in September 2023. Bolsover First Steps Pre-School combined imaginative activities with small tasks children could tackle themselves, from choosing snacks to putting toys away.

At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. The pre-school has capacity for 24 children at the Assembly Rooms in Bolsover; children attending in September 2023 were aged two to three.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care, with play providing opportunities to practise language, movement and social skills. In September 2023, number songs connected counting with fingers and the idea of one less, giving mathematical ideas a concrete form.

During that month, the role play area brought real ingredients into pretend cooking. Cutting carrots with safe knives exercised children's hands, while guidance about finger placement introduced care around tools. Orange essence added to play dough created an opportunity to introduce new vocabulary. Books, songs and conversation supplied further language experiences.

The September 2023 inspection identified two priorities: helping children use newly introduced vocabulary themselves and allowing them more control over their play. Adults sometimes steered activities too much. These are useful distinctions: hearing a new word differs from trying it out, and joining an activity differs from deciding where it goes.

In September 2023, outings included the local castle and library, while emergency services visited to explain their work. These experiences connected play with the surrounding community and the people working in it.

In September 2023, children could visit with their parents before starting, becoming familiar with staff and the setting before separating. Staff also shared information about children's development and ideas for learning at home, including borrowing books to read together.

That month, everyday routines gave children small responsibilities. Toddlers selected snacks and cleared their plates; older children helped tidy toys. Staff explained sharing and how behaviour affected others, making social expectations part of ordinary play.

Toothbrushing after lunch was another September 2023 routine. Children used mirrors while staff demonstrated brushing, turning oral hygiene into something they could practise. Safeguarding arrangements at that time included staff suitability checks, procedures for concerns about children or adults, risk assessment and counting children during outdoor play.

The address is Assembly Rooms, Hill Top, Bolsover, Chesterfield, S44 6NG.

In September 2023, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children at that time. These are dated operating arrangements rather than a current booking pattern.

• Language in play. September 2023 brought a clear priority around children using new vocabulary. During a visit, look for adults inviting children to try words themselves.
• Room for choice. Adults sometimes directed play too closely in September 2023. Notice how staff respond when a child takes an activity in a different direction.
• Attendance fit. The September 2023 timetable followed term time. What attendance patterns and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?

The September 2023 picture suits families who value practical play, familiarisation before starting and everyday independence. Carrot cutting, book borrowing and community outings give that picture substance. The balance to examine is how adults extend children's language while leaving enough space for their own choices.