Manley and Mouldsworth Pre-School Playgroup

Duck eggs, frogspawn and books carried home give this playgroup a recognisable character: learning connected to living things, imaginative play and family life. These were features of its April 2023 provision. The setting has capacity for 18 children, with its base at Manley Village School Playfield in Manley.

At its 28 April 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good overall. Children attending then were aged two to four. The account below describes that dated provision rather than treating its daily arrangements as today's offer.

In April 2023, children explored animal development by tending duck eggs before hatching and watching frogspawn change into tadpoles. Sand and water offered younger children hands-on exploration, while bicycles and football brought movement outdoors. These were concrete ways to investigate, practise physical skills and follow an interest over time.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its April 2023 application included counting and exploring shapes through creative activities, alongside pretend cooking and dance lessons. Learning took several forms rather than depending on adult-led questions alone.

Books extended beyond story time. In April 2023, children chose books with friends, discussed pictures and borrowed them to share at home. Train journeys and forest visits also widened their experiences, giving them places and observations to talk about afterwards.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements and praised care practices, with staff getting to know families and children settling securely. During that month, parents received updates about children's experiences, and family events connected the setting with its local community.

Independence was part of everyday care in April 2023: children helped clear away toys, managed their coats and attended to personal needs. These small responsibilities gave them practice for their next stage of learning.

In April 2023, the setting had failed to tell Ofsted about every person involved in its organisation. Children's safety and wellbeing were unaffected, and leaders understood their notification responsibilities.

The address is Manley Village School Playfield, Mobile Units, School Lane, Manley, Frodsham, WA6 9DU.

In April 2023, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Wraparound care ran from 7.45am to 9am and from 3pm to 6pm, extending the day at either end. Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the provision at that date.

• A broader view of people. In April 2023, children needed more opportunities to explore communities and lives beyond their own experience. This matters for families seeking learning that introduces unfamiliar perspectives.
• Time to answer. Some questioning in April 2023 moved on before children had enough thinking time. Giving children space to formulate an answer was an improvement priority for communication.
• Staff development. Strengthening supervision discussions was an April 2023 improvement priority. The issue concerned helping practitioners develop their practice further.
• Attendance fit. The April 2023 arrangements combined term-time opening with wraparound care. At a visit, ask how today's booking options fit the days and hours your family needs.

This playgroup merits consideration by families drawn to practical exploration, shared books and growing independence. Its April 2023 provision suited both families using the term-time daytime hours and those adding wraparound care. The Good judgement provides a dated quality reference; the priorities around questioning, broader perspectives and staff development belong alongside it in the decision.