Wolverham and Stanney Pre-School

Pinecone painting, outdoor wall-building and a mud kitchen give Wolverham and Stanney Pre-School's September 2021 daily life a practical, hands-on character. At its 24 September 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, describing children who explored enthusiastically and worked together on challenges.

Based at The Oaks Primary School in Ellesmere Port, the pre-school has 30 places in total. Children attending in September 2021 were aged two to four. That age range is a dated snapshot rather than a current admissions statement.

In September 2021, children shaped their play through their own interests. A conversation about a farm prompted staff to introduce farm animals into play, connecting learning with something meaningful to the child. Outside, children experimented with materials and negotiated ideas while constructing a wall. These were opportunities to practise cooperation as well as problem-solving.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the September 2021 examples included learning through play, conversation, creative activity and practical tasks. Younger children painted with collected pinecones; older children handled fruit and vegetables in pretend food preparation. In the mud kitchen, staff added vocabulary to conversations about children's creations.

There were also clear teaching priorities. In September 2021, some practitioners needed to use questions more effectively to draw out children's reasoning. Counting songs and organised activities introduced mathematical ideas, but staff did not consistently extend that learning during children's chosen play or everyday routines.

At the September 2021 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described prompt responses to developmental gaps, with the special educational needs coordinator seeking outside support and coordinating agreed strategies across agencies. For families whose children need additional help, that coordination was an important part of the support assessed then.

In September 2021, staff offered reassurance when children needed it and maintained communication with parents despite pandemic-related changes to routines. Independence featured in practical tasks: younger children poured drinks, while older children used more demanding tools and equipment and practised judging risks. Care included helping children do things for themselves.

The address is The Oaks Primary School, Rochester Drive, Ellesmere Port, CH65 9EX.

In September 2021, opening hours were 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time. These arrangements belong to that September 2021 snapshot.

• Teaching in everyday play. The September 2021 improvement points concerned questioning and mathematics outside organised activities. On a visit, look for staff helping children explain their ideas and explore numbers during play.
• Planning attendance. September 2021 hours followed a term-time weekday pattern. What are the current sessions, accepted ages and funding arrangements, including any meal or consumables charges?

The September 2021 picture suits families who value practical play, growing independence and children learning to cooperate. Its term-time opening pattern then would have suited childcare needs within the school day. The balance is clear: engaging experiences sat alongside specific improvements needed in questioning and everyday mathematics.