Pierremont Pre-School

Stories, pretend cups of tea and children preparing their own fruit give Pierremont Pre-School a practical, playful character in its March 2023 account. At its 2 March 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective.

Based at Holy Trinity Youth Centre in Darlington, the setting has capacity for 26 children. Children attending in March 2023 were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection period.

In March 2023, daily stories gave children opportunities to recall events and answer questions. Pencils supported drawing and writing shopping lists, while a role-play kitchen provided a setting for pretend tea-making with friends. During World Book Day, children discussed their characters together, bringing books into conversation as well as listening.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the March 2023 examples included stories, imaginative play and number games. Children practised counting and explored addition and subtraction through songs and games, connecting mathematical ideas with activities they could join in.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified two priorities: making learning more challenging by starting from children's existing knowledge, and using richer descriptive vocabulary to develop their language.

In March 2023, children helped with snack preparation, including peeling oranges and cutting grapes, sometimes with adult help. Handwashing had become familiar enough for children to do it unprompted. These were concrete opportunities to practise everyday independence.

Emotions also had a place in the March 2023 curriculum. Children explored their feelings and how their behaviour affected others. Staff and parents exchanged information at the beginning and end of the day, with electronic updates alongside conversations. That gave families more than one way to follow their child's experiences.

The address is Holy Trinity Youth Centre, Pierremont Road, Darlington, DL3 6DG.

In March 2023, opening hours were 7.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays during term time. The setting provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. Parents supplied lunches, and staff encouraged healthy choices and discussed food with children while eating together.

• Learning challenge. The March 2023 improvement priorities concerned extending existing knowledge and broadening vocabulary. Families should weigh those points alongside the Good judgement.
• Planning attendance. The March 2023 timetable was term-time only. At a visit, ask which current attendance patterns, funding arrangements and lunch requirements would apply to your child.

Pierremont's March 2023 picture suits families drawn to learning through stories, imaginative play and everyday independence. Parent conversations and electronic updates added practical communication. The learning priorities deserve attention too: the strongest decision will consider both the children's experiences described in March 2023 and the challenge offered as their skills develop.