Newton Park Pre School

Paint mixing, strawberry growing and a daily physical hour give Newton Park Pre School a practical, active character. These were features of its September 2024 provision, with children choosing between indoor and outdoor play rather than following one activity together.

Ofsted rated the pre-school Good on 18 September 2024. It has capacity for 24 children at Newton CP School, Kingsway West, Chester; children attending at that visit were aged two to four.

In September 2024, the early years foundation stage shaped learning, development and care through play: children explored colour changes, enjoyed stories and practised movement. Staff used children's interests and observations of their development to plan activities.

The daily physical hour involved chasing bubbles, balancing on wooden blocks and negotiating slopes, giving children concrete opportunities to practise coordination. A visiting sports coach added a weekly session. The lending library extended access to books beyond the setting, while growing fruit and vegetables, including harvesting strawberries, connected food with first-hand experience.

Choice mattered too. Children selected toys and decided whether to play inside or outside. Adults joined their games, including encouraging predictions about mixed paint colours. However, counting and number sequences needed more attention within play.

At the September 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and noted that staff recognised the importance of working with other professionals.

In September 2024, settling happened gradually, with staff spending time getting to know children and their families. Key-worker relationships supported emotional wellbeing. Parents were regularly invited to stay and play sessions, providing opportunities to participate in their children's nursery experience.

Children practised independence through looking after belongings, tidying toys and managing personal care. Links with local primary schools supported transition, alongside learning to request help and express opinions. During some group activities, however, adult attention was unevenly distributed and some children disengaged.

The address is Newton CP School, Kingsway West, Chester, CH2 2LA.

In September 2024, the pre-school operated Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that period and should be read alongside the dated account of daily life above.

• Mathematics through play. In September 2024, counting and number sequences needed further development. This matters for families wanting everyday play to build early number confidence.
• Attention in groups. Some children disengaged when adult time was shared unevenly in September 2024. Individual engagement is an important consideration alongside the freedom to choose activities.
• Attendance planning. The September 2024 pattern was term-time sessions from 9am to 3pm. At a visit, ask how today's booking arrangements fit your working day and school holidays.

Newton Park Pre School suits families drawn to practical exploration, physical activity and gradual settling. Its September 2024 provision combined independent choices with adult involvement, books to borrow and food growing. The Good judgement gives that dated picture weight, while the recommendations about mathematics and group attention deserve equal consideration.