The Step Up Pre-School

Ducklings named Flash and Shelly gave children a tangible lesson in caring for living things at The Step Up Pre-School in June 2024. That small detail captures the practical character of this setting at The Bungalow in Goole, on the host school's premises: children explored, made things and learned to consider one another.

At its 18 June 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, finding that children were enthusiastic learners who made good progress. The pre-school has 22 places in total; children attending at the inspection were aged 2 to 11, a range that included provision for the host school's children.

In June 2024, children chose resources independently and stayed absorbed in activities they had selected. Paint could be explored with hands or tools, while model-making brought together manufactured and natural materials. This gave children several ways to turn an idea into something tangible.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2024 examples included creative play, practising physical skills and learning about nature. Children persisted with jumping over obstacles, receiving enough help to succeed while still doing the work themselves.

Watching eggs hatch into Flash and Shelly made the needs of living things concrete. Children understood the importance of warmth for the eggs and watering for plants. They also shared modelling resources with friends, bringing cooperation into ordinary play.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including individual learning plans developed with parents and professionals. Those plans helped children participate in learning rather than sit apart from it.

In June 2024, staff listened attentively to children's ideas and responded positively. Stories and props helped children put feelings into words, while breathing exercises offered a practical way to regain calm. Adults also reminded children to consider others during energetic games.

Links with the host school and other settings supported transition: in June 2024, staff passed on information about children's care and learning needs. Children also went to the school for lunch, making the school connection part of their day.

The address is The Bungalow on Garth Lane in Hook, Goole (DN14 5NW), on the host primary school's premises.

In June 2024, the pre-school operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 8am to 3.30pm. It also ran a breakfast club for children at the host school and provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

The setting occupies premises at the school, but attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Staff development. In June 2024, recent staffing changes made further staff training a priority. The improvement action was to deepen staff knowledge and skills so they could extend children's learning further.
• School transition. Information-sharing with the host school supported children's next step in June 2024. Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place.
• Attendance planning. The June 2024 pattern combined term-time sessions with a host-school breakfast club. Which current booking arrangements would fit your family's week?

The June 2024 picture suits families seeking practical, child-chosen learning, with emotional support woven into play. Its attendance model then served both term-time pre-school sessions and breakfast-club care for host-school children. The Good judgement sits alongside a clear development priority: helping staff build the skills to take children's learning further.