Seedlings

In March 2022, an interactive sensory room and individually planned support gave Seedlings a clear specialist character. At its 29 March 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding and found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, progressed very quickly.

Seedlings has capacity for 12 children. In March 2022, the children attending were aged two to four, and every child had special educational needs and/or disabilities. That is important context for families considering the provision: the account centres on specialist early learning and support.

In March 2022, learning activities were shaped around what individual children understood and the next steps they needed. Listening and attention received deliberate attention, helping children build the skills needed to take part in learning.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the March 2022 activities included songs, stories and nursery rhymes, giving children opportunities to practise language and make choices.

Sensory experiences had a practical place in the day. In March 2022, children could explore and relax in the interactive sensory room, while scented play dough encouraged sensory exploration. Staff also used sign language to support communication. Outdoors, activities gave children opportunities to move and investigate. These examples show several ways children could participate, rather than relying on spoken language alone.

In March 2022, settling arrangements were adapted to each family, and parents were closely involved in their children's care. Staff helped children communicate feelings and worked with families on emotional wellbeing, making relationships part of the daily support.

Staff also looked for developmental delays and arranged early intervention in March 2022, seeking services and funding to support individual children. At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff trained to recognise concerns, report them and initiate early help for families.

The address is Maple Medical Pupil Referral Unit, Cedar Road, Doncaster, DN4 9HT.

In March 2022, Seedlings operated on Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time, with sessions running from 9am to 1.30pm. This was a sessional pattern rather than an all-week timetable, an important distinction for families planning attendance around other commitments.

Funded early education for three- and four-year-old children formed part of the provision in March 2022. That dated funding position belongs alongside the dated timetable when considering how the setting might fit a family's plans.

• Specialist support. Every child attending in March 2022 had special educational needs and/or disabilities. Individually planned activities, sensory experiences and communication support are the central points to weigh against your child's needs.
• Attendance arrangements. The March 2022 timetable covered Tuesdays and Thursdays in term time. What are the current session arrangements and funded-attendance options for your child's age?

Seedlings suits families seeking specialist early learning with individual communication and developmental support. The March 2022 account gives substance to that judgement through sensory resources, adapted settling and early intervention. Its historical sessional timetable also makes attendance fit an essential part of the decision.