Byerley Road Preschool

In March 2024, dinosaur play, practical independence and repeated songs gave Byerley Road Preschool a recognisable character. At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall and judged safeguarding effective. Its address is Mission Hall, Chapel Street, Shildon, DL4 2DX, with capacity for 45 children aged 0 to 60 months.

The strongest examples centre on children doing things themselves: making play dough, preparing snacks and practising conversation. These are March 2024 observations, rather than a description of today's activities.

In March 2024, communication and independence shaped the curriculum. Familiar rhymes and stories returned as children moved through the setting, with new ones gradually extending their vocabulary. Preschool children took turns speaking during circle time, giving each child space to contribute.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the March 2024 examples show learning through play: children compared toy dinosaurs with display pictures and experimented with ingredients to make their own play dough. The activities connected conversation, observation and problem-solving.

Outdoor provision had different strengths across the ages. In March 2024, older children used large equipment for balancing and climbing, while digging tools exercised their hands. Babies had fewer chances to extend movement and handling skills; developing their learning environment was an improvement priority. That distinction matters for families choosing care for a younger child.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that relationships with families and outside agencies supported children's needs, including through the special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator, and that children made good progress.

In March 2024, staff comforted children who needed emotional reassurance. Self-care was also taught through small, practical tasks: toddlers washed their hands and buttered crackers, while older children brushed their teeth daily with staff taking part as examples. Independence was practised in ordinary routines.

Staff could access online training and received supervision. However, in March 2024 leaders lacked a clear picture of completed training, making it harder to assess its effect and identify gaps across the team. Improving that oversight was the other formal improvement priority.

Term-time attendance is the practical starting point, with closure during school holidays. The preschool's address is Mission Hall, Chapel Street, Shildon, DL4 2DX.

In March 2024, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. At that date, the setting provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds and before- and after-school care for older children. Those arrangements describe the inspection period.

• Babies' physical development. March 2024 improvement work centred on giving babies more opportunities to practise movement and handling. On a visit, ask to see how the baby environment now supports these skills.
• Staff development. Leaders' oversight of completed training needed improvement in March 2024. Ask how training needs and the effect of training are now assessed.
• Term-time fit. School-holiday closure makes this a setting to weigh against your family's annual childcare needs. How would its attendance arrangements fit your working week?

Byerley Road Preschool suits families seeking term-time care. Communication and growing independence were curriculum priorities at its March 2024 inspection. The March 2024 examples give those priorities substance, from turn-taking to everyday self-care. Parents of babies should give the physical-development improvement point particular attention; staff-training oversight is the second issue to explore.