Applebees Pre-School

Voting for an outdoor game and choosing lunch from a school canteen: independence takes a practical form at Applebees Pre-School. In March 2024, children made decisions, managed everyday tasks and had time to stay absorbed in play. These small responsibilities gave them opportunities to practise confidence alongside learning.

Ofsted rated the pre-school Outstanding on 14 March 2024. Based at Manor House Primary School in Frodsham, it has capacity for 20 children; those attending at that visit were aged two to four.

In March 2024, learning built on what children already knew, with staff using conversation and questions to extend their thinking. Exploring foil by tearing, cutting and crumpling it gave children a concrete material to investigate rather than a ready-made answer.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the March 2024 examples included language developed through play, practical independence and learning how to make decisions together. Children voted on an outdoor game and accepted the group's choice, giving cooperation a real purpose.

Family visitors also introduced celebrations from around the world in March 2024. Staff discussed different family structures, giving children opportunities to understand lives beyond their own household.

At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and judged children's progress outstanding. Staff identified additional needs, developed targeted plans and worked with professionals while including the family's views.

In March 2024, parents received specific ideas for continuing learning at home. Warm relationships with staff and friendships between children supported settled participation. Children also practised personal hygiene independently, explaining why soap mattered and how to dispose of their towel.

Choosing food from the school canteen and carrying their trays under supervision were further March 2024 examples of everyday responsibility. Mealtimes offered practice in doing things for themselves.

The address is Manor House Primary School, Langdale Way, Frodsham, WA6 7LE. In March 2024, opening hours were 9am to 11.30am and 12.45pm to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday during term time, with a lunch club between 11.30am and 12.45pm.

At that time, funded early education was provided for three- and four-year-olds. Attending Applebees does not guarantee a Reception place at Manor House Primary School.

• Term-time routine. The March 2024 timetable combined two opening windows with a lunch club. How would the current attendance arrangements fit your family's week?
• School-site expectations. Applebees shares the Manor House Primary School site. Keep the childcare decision separate from the application for a Reception place.

Applebees suits parents who value practical independence, language development and children having a voice in their day. Its March 2024 examples are persuasive: voting, investigating materials and managing lunch make learning tangible. The term-time timetable described at that visit is the relevant starting point for families planning care around the school year.