Salterlee Under Fives Playgroup

In September 2022, alpaca care, blackberry life cycles and a lending library gave Salterlee Under Fives Playgroup a recognisable character. In September 2022, children explored their surroundings as well as learning through play, with experiences extending into the local community.

Ofsted rated the playgroup Outstanding at its September 2022 inspection and judged safeguarding effective. It has capacity for 17 children and is based at Salterlee Primary School in Halifax. Children attending at the inspection were aged one to four; that is a dated picture of the children present.

In September 2022, learning connected practical activity with language, physical development and understanding the world. Children shaped dough into cupcakes of different sizes, using utensils to connect their play with experiences at home. Flour and water provided opportunities to practise making marks, while activities developed the strength and hand control needed for writing.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: these play experiences illustrate how learning can happen through conversation, movement and exploration. In September 2022, staff modelled clear language and adjusted activities around what children had already learned.

Outdoor learning had a practical purpose. In September 2022, children visited a local farm to care for alpacas, discussed seasonal changes and blackberry life cycles, and joined litter-picking projects. Recycling gave them another way to participate in caring for their surroundings. These were concrete experiences of responsibility rather than abstract lessons.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that carefully planned learning and early, targeted support helped children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make excellent progress.

In September 2022, staff helped children talk about emotions and handle disagreements themselves. Older children supported friends during physical challenges, including reminding them how to move safely down a steep slope. That connected independence with consideration for others.

A lending library extended language activities into the home in September 2022. Staff also worked with local schools on preparation for the next stage, linking nursery learning with the move to school.

The address is Salterlee Primary School, Kell Lane, Stump Cross, Halifax, HX3 7AY. Attendance here does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

In September 2022, the playgroup opened during term time: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 11.15am, for children aged three to five, and Tuesday to Thursday, 1.20pm to 3.50pm, for children aged two to three. These were age-specific opening arrangements at that time.

In September 2022, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• Age-specific attendance. The September 2022 arrangements separated younger children's afternoon attendance from older children's mornings. Which current attendance pattern would fit your child's age and your working day?
• Learning beyond the playgroup. Farm outings and community litter picking featured in September 2022. On a visit, ask how outdoor experiences now fit into the children's learning.
• School application. The school-site address does not secure a Reception place. Plan the local authority application separately from choosing the playgroup.

Salterlee suits parents drawn to a small-capacity playgroup with an Outstanding September 2022 judgement and an inspection-era emphasis on language, practical exploration and community participation. Its September 2022 arrangements served older children's mornings and younger children's afternoons during term time. The strongest reasons to consider it are the specific learning experiences and targeted support recognised at that inspection.