Auckley Pre-School

Frost became a surface for early writing, while tape measures brought mathematics into play at Auckley Pre-School in December 2023. These small, practical experiences give a clear picture of its approach: children explored ideas through things they could handle, change and investigate.

Ofsted rated the setting Good at its 6 December 2023 inspection. Auckley Pre-School has 30 places in total at Auckley School, School Lane, Doncaster, DN9 3JN; children attending in December 2023 ranged from birth to four.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together through experiences such as play, conversation and exploration. In December 2023, activities followed children's interests: babies explored their interest in animals through a wildlife park outing, while outdoor ice prompted experiments with tools.

Community experiences extended learning beyond the setting that month. Children made regular shopping visits to a supermarket and farm, and took the bus to a library to select books for sharing at home. Grandparents joined baking activities. Photo-filled books helped children revisit experiences and talk about what they had done.

Outdoor play also featured in December 2023 across different weather conditions. Ride-on toys gave children opportunities to practise movement and balance, while energetic rhymes involved stretching and crouching. Books, songs and imaginative play provided occasions for conversation.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well supported, making good progress. In December 2023, staff recognised missed developmental milestones and helped families reach other professional services, giving parents a practical route to additional help.

Settling arrangements in December 2023 helped children establish relationships with staff and other children. Adults supported sharing, managing feelings and resolving disagreements, and exchanged information with parents about learning and progress.

Self-care activities that month included toothbrushing demonstrations and dressing dolls to practise fastenings and choosing clothing for the weather. However, some children needed closer help with hygiene after snacks, and adults did not consistently model accurate grammar and pronunciation. Both were areas requiring improvement.

In December 2023, opening hours during term time were 7.45am to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 7.45am to 4.30pm on Wednesday and Friday. A holiday club operated in some school holidays, so the term-time timetable did not describe the whole attendance offer.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds was offered in December 2023. Preparation for school that month included practising everyday independence, such as managing clothing and personal care.

• Help with hygiene. In December 2023, adults sometimes missed children who needed assistance with washing after snacks. Consistent support with these routines matters for children still developing independence.
• Language modelling. Grammar and pronunciation were not consistently accurate in December 2023. Clear adult speech matters alongside the setting's use of books, songs and conversation.
• Planning attendance. The December 2023 timetable differed across weekdays and included some holiday provision. At a visit, ask how today's attendance options, accepted ages and funding arrangements fit your child's needs.

Auckley Pre-School's December 2023 provision would suit families who value practical exploration, community outings and preparation for everyday independence. The supermarket, farm and library experiences gave learning a useful connection to life beyond the setting. Hygiene support and adult language modelling are the two cautions to weigh alongside that picture.