All Saints Pre-School

In March 2025, a small-world barn, chicks and counting eggs gave All Saints Pre-School's learning a concrete starting point: children's own experiences. This Halifax setting has 20 places in total. At its March 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good, found that children made good progress and judged safeguarding effective.

The children attending in March 2025 were aged two to four. The strongest thread running through their day was staff's response to individual interests, from growing seeds to hospital role play.

In March 2025, children could reach resources themselves and choose how to use them. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, play connected counting, conversation and exploring the world.

A child's experience of chicks at home prompted the barn activity. Interest in planting led staff to introduce factual books about growing, while hospital resources extended another interest through role play. These were practical ways to build on what children already wanted to investigate.

Conversation also shaped activities that March. Staff used questions about stories and pictures to encourage longer answers, and introduced farm animals when children needed help learning their names. Trips included a dance studio and a bookshop, taking learning beyond the setting.

In March 2025, staff comforted unsettled children with cuddles and encouraged them to manage their own coats and shoes. Reassurance sat alongside small steps towards independence.

Sharing was practised through instruments at group time. Children also negotiated over resources, developing habits useful for moving on to school. Staff kept parents informed about children's learning and invited their views, giving families a part in conversations about their child's development.

The address is The Clock Tower, Shaw Lodge Mill, Shaw Lodge, Suite F3, Halifax HX3 9ET.

In March 2025, opening hours were 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. That daytime window matters for families planning care around work. At the same date, the setting offered government-funded places for children aged two, three and four.

• Changes between activities. In March 2025, some children lost concentration when moving between activities. During a visit, ask how staff now organise these changes to keep children involved.
• Staff development. In March 2025, checks on whether staff training improved teaching and children's learning were not fully established. Ask how leaders now assess the effect of training on everyday practice.

For families drawn to learning shaped by children's interests, All Saints Pre-School merits consideration. Its March 2025 experience combined accessible resources, purposeful conversation and encouragement towards independence. The term-time daytime opening pattern described that March would suit families organising care around the school calendar. Smoother changes between activities and stronger checks on staff development are the practical points to explore.