Waverton Pre School

Scooters on ramps, rolling hoops and books about insects give Waverton Pre School's June 2023 picture its character: active play with opportunities to talk, compare and investigate. The setting has capacity for 24 children at Common Lane, Waverton, Chester, CH3 7QT.

Ofsted rated the provision Good at its 8 June 2023 inspection. Children attending then were aged two to four, and the attendance pattern was term-time sessions.

In June 2023, outdoor play combined movement with early mathematics. Children steered tricycles and scooters over ramps, while hoop play prompted comparisons of speed and distance. These were practical opportunities to develop coordination and explore how things move.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the June 2023 examples included physical play, conversations and shared reading. Children examined pictures together and brought books to adults, learning about butterflies, insects and seashells. Staff used children's interests and observations of their play to plan subsequent learning.

Adult intervention needed more restraint. In June 2023, staff sometimes supplied solutions too soon, reducing children's opportunities to puzzle things out independently.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding and good progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities; it also identified an unnotified committee change, which had no effect on children's safety because those members had no contact with children.

In June 2023, staff supervised play, assessed potential hazards and understood how to respond to welfare concerns. The manager took immediate steps to address the committee notification issue. Parents received updates about development and suggestions for extending learning at home.

Friendships were visible in June 2023 through children inviting others into play and offering physical reassurance. Staff encouraged kindness and sharing, but their responses to disagreements did not consistently explain the effect of children's actions on others.

Health and independence also featured that month. Children discussed dental care, grew vegetables and harvested them. Putting on shoes and coats and serving their own drinks supported everyday independence, while weekly visits to the connecting school gave children experience of its activities and teachers.

Common Lane, Waverton, Chester, CH3 7QT is the setting's address. In June 2023, sessions ran from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. That pattern placed care within the school-day part of the working week.

At that time, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• Attendance fit. June 2023 sessions were term-time, from 9am to 3pm. At a visit, what attendance arrangements now apply, including funded sessions?
• Independent thinking. In June 2023, adults sometimes solved problems too quickly. Look for opportunities for children to attempt their own solutions during play.
• Responses to disagreements. June 2023 practice needed greater consistency in explaining how behaviour affects others. This matters for children learning to share space and resolve disputes.

Waverton's June 2023 picture suits families interested in active outdoor play, shared reading and practical preparation for school. Its term-time daytime pattern would suit care organised around the school week. The two teaching priorities deserve attention: giving children thinking time and explaining behaviour consistently.