Laurels Playschool

Parallel bars, den-building and children preparing their own snacks give Laurels Playschool a practical, active character in its July 2024 account. Based at Euxton Youth And Community Centre in Chorley, it has capacity for 20 children. At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the playschool Good overall.

Children attending that July were aged 2 to 4. The strongest detail is about children doing things for themselves: balancing, solving problems together and taking responsibility for their belongings.

In July 2024, children had daily access to an outdoor area, where they balanced on parallel bars and practised judging risk while developing control over their movements. Yoga and dance also featured among their activities. Den-building brought a different challenge: threading rope through a tarpaulin, untangling it and fastening pegs required concentration and cooperation.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. In July 2024, learning here connected children's interests with topics and celebrations, while staff planned activities around their next steps. Conversation was another everyday learning opportunity: adults expanded children's sentences and introduced vocabulary through discussion of things that interested them.

Circle time included songs, stories and children sharing news. Its organisation was less successful. Some groups were too large, leaving children sitting and waiting; this could overwhelm some children and reduce their participation.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support effective, with smaller-group work, targeted help and additional funding supporting children's progress.

In July 2024, the special educational needs and disability coordinator worked with practitioners to identify gaps in learning. Children with SEND also received help to join sports day activities. Support extended into shared experiences as well as targeted work.

Staff learnt about children's interests and home lives. Parents received updates about development and ideas for learning at home, and visited to share their work, cultures and food traditions. Children practised independence by cutting fruit and vegetables, pouring drinks and managing personal care.

Staff development needed attention: monitoring was inconsistent, and feedback was not precise enough to help every practitioner develop their practice.

The address is Euxton Youth And Community Centre, Laurel Avenue, Euxton, Chorley PR7 6AY.

In July 2024, playschool sessions ran from 8am to 4pm during term time, Monday to Friday. The setting also operated out-of-school provision during term time, from 7.30am to 9am and 3.20pm to 6pm, and holiday provision from 8am to 6pm on weekdays during school holidays. These are the arrangements at that date.

Funded early education for children aged two, three and four was provided in July 2024.

• Group participation. In July 2024, larger circle-time groups left some children waiting and overwhelmed. Ask how group activities now accommodate children who need a smaller gathering.
• Staff development. July 2024 monitoring and feedback needed greater consistency and precision. Ask how practitioners now receive feedback and support to improve their work.
• Attendance fit. The July 2024 arrangements combined term-time playschool, out-of-school care and holiday provision. Which current pattern would suit your child's age and your family's week?

Laurels Playschool suits families drawn to practical independence, outdoor activity and learning through conversation. Its July 2024 arrangements served both term-time playschool families and those using out-of-school or holiday care. The Good judgement provides a positive inspection position, balanced by specific weaknesses in group organisation and staff feedback.