Sutton St James Pre-School

In February 2024, family storytelling and a community pantry gave Sutton St James Pre-School a recognisable community character. At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. The setting has capacity for 30 children and is based at Hollinhey Primary School in Macclesfield.

In February 2024, children attending were aged two to four. Family involvement extended beyond conversations with staff: relatives contributed stories and shared cultural traditions with children.

In February 2024, mystery readers brought family members into the setting to tell stories. This gave children a familiar person to connect with their shared reading experiences. Spanish week included making gazpacho outdoors, bringing cultural learning into a practical activity.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. In February 2024, its everyday expression included practising sharing, taking turns and talking during play. Staff planned around what children needed to learn next.

Physical play had several forms. In February 2024, the outdoor area supported climbing and balancing, while wake up and shake up got children moving each morning. Placing candles into play dough cakes added a smaller, more precise movement task. Garden safety checks also gave selected children a daily responsibility, using clipboards to look for hazards.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that additional funding was used effectively to address learning gaps and that partnership with parents supported children's learning. Resources and changes to the setting were chosen around children's needs.

In February 2024, parents received updates through evening meetings and conversations with staff. Take-home bags supported matters such as toilet training and dummy use, extending practical help beyond the pre-school day. Staff also used books and conversations about feelings to help children understand behaviour.

That February, a management change had not been notified to Ofsted as required. The breach had no effect on children or the setting's operation, and the provider had strengthened its understanding of notification duties.

The address is Hollinhey Primary School, Bell Avenue, Macclesfield, SK11 0EE. In February 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday; these describe the opening window at that time.

In February 2024, the pre-school provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This sits alongside its community support: the community pantry was one example of help reaching families beyond learning activities.

• Language activities. In February 2024, background noise sometimes interrupted small-group language work, with children leaving before an activity ended. Ask how quieter spaces are now used for these sessions.
• Attendance arrangements. The February 2024 opening window was 9am to 3pm on weekdays. What booking pattern would fit your family's week?

Sutton St James Pre-School suits families who value involvement in their child's early learning: family readers, cultural contributions and practical support bags were concrete parts of its February 2024 experience. In February 2024, background noise sometimes distracted children during language activities, causing them to leave before the activity ended. Its community character is the strongest reason to consider it.