Greenhills Pre-school

Woodland, a stream and a meadow gave Greenhills Pre-school's children more than a playground to explore in June 2024. Based at Marlborough Primary School in Macclesfield, this pre-school combined outdoor discovery with learning shaped around individual children.

Ofsted rated Greenhills Good at its 19 June 2024 inspection and found its safeguarding arrangements effective. It has capacity for 24 children; those attending at the inspection were aged two to four.

In June 2024, outdoor play included challenging equipment, with adults encouraging children to attempt manageable risks and persist through difficulties. A ladybird discovery prompted staff to bring out books and resources, turning a child's interest into further exploration.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2024 day included stories, physical play and conversations over meals: different opportunities to practise language, movement and making choices.

Story groups were separated by age so that the reading suited the children listening. Older children, called frogs, helped the younger tadpoles find their way through daily routines. Responsibility had a practical purpose. Children also explored similarities and differences by studying faces and making their own versions in foam.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that individually planned learning supported good progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and prepared children for school.

During that month, practitioners spent dedicated time with their key children and offered physical comfort and kind words when needed. Frequent conversations with parents covered development and ideas for learning at home, helping families connect the pre-school day with home life.

Meals also became learning opportunities in June 2024: children talked about family life, compared quantities and sizes, and made choices. Staff undertook training, while management adapted the setting around children's needs.

Greenhills is based at Marlborough Primary School, Tytherington Drive, Macclesfield, SK10 2HJ. Being on the school site does not guarantee a Reception place.

In June 2024, opening hours ran from 8.30am until 3.30pm on weekdays during term time. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that date.

• Learning across two settings. In June 2024, contact with other providers that children attended was inconsistent, weakening continuity between them. Families using two settings should discuss how development information will be shared.
• Clear behaviour expectations. Adults did not consistently explain expected behaviour in June 2024, including how to respect another child's artwork. Ask how staff now make boundaries understandable to children.
• Outdoor exploration. The June 2024 experience included woodland, meadow and stream spaces alongside challenging outdoor equipment. On a visit, ask how these spaces fit into the day for younger children.

Greenhills merits consideration for families drawn to outdoor discovery and learning built around children's interests. Its June 2024 experience combined attentive relationships, age-sensitive stories and useful responsibilities for older children. The term-time weekday hours at that date suited families whose childcare needs followed the school calendar. Communication across settings and clear explanations of behaviour expectations are the two practical points to discuss.