Stepping Stones Preschool, Littleport

In July 2024, den building and conversations about ice characterised Stepping Stones Preschool, Littleport: practical exploration paired with an emphasis on language. At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective. There were also two clear priorities: giving children longer to formulate answers and organising staff more effectively at busy times.

The preschool has 42 places in total and is based on Camel Road in Littleport, Ely. Children attending in July 2024 were aged two to five; that is the age range at that visit.

In July 2024, activities drew on children's interests. The discovery area held ice containing petals and toy animals, which children tried to release with hammers. Conversation about making the ice connected the physical activity with opportunities to describe and explain.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2024 day included conversation, stories and exploration: staff used book illustrations to invite predictions and varied their voices while reading.

The forest school programme added outdoor exploration, including den building with stakes and tents. In July 2024, children made choices about their constructions and discussed the boundaries of the space. This gave them practical decisions to make alongside clear expectations about where they could go.

In July 2024, staff spent time learning what new children could already do, then planned their next steps. Meetings and online journals kept parents involved in that process, giving them a way to follow development beyond the session itself.

Staff also used interventions for children with communication difficulties. At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted identified occasions when adults supplied ideas before children had enough thinking time, and lunchtime moments when staff did not recognise that some children needed help. These were specific weaknesses in everyday practice, rather than reasons to overlook the positive overall judgement.

The address is Camel Road, Littleport, Ely, CB6 1EW. In July 2024, opening hours were 8.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays, with attendance during term time only. Those hours describe the opening window at that date.

Funded early education for children aged two, three and four was part of the July 2024 provision. Families considering that term-time arrangement need to weigh how it fits their working day and school holidays.

• Time to think. The July 2024 improvement action concerned adults answering too quickly. On a visit, look for children having space to develop their own responses.
• Lunchtime support. Staff organisation during busy periods was another July 2024 priority. Discuss how the team now recognises and responds to children needing help at lunch.
• Attendance and costs. The July 2024 arrangement was term-time care with funded early education. What attendance pattern and written quotation, including meals and consumables, would apply to your child?

Based on its July 2024 practice, Stepping Stones would suit families drawn to practical outdoor exploration and an emphasis on communication. Its July 2024 picture combines den building, story conversations and parent journals with concrete improvements needed in thinking time and lunchtime support. For families considering term-time preschool, those everyday details deserve as much attention as the Good judgement.