Preston Brook Preschool

Pot stilts, shared stories and small jobs gave Preston Brook Preschool a practical, child-sized character in April 2025. Children practised balancing, took responsibility for tidying and turned to familiar staff for reassurance. Everyday tasks mattered alongside organised activities.

Ofsted rated the preschool Good on 2 April 2025. Based at Preston Brook Village Hall in Runcorn, it has 24 places in total; those attending at the inspection were aged two to four.

In April 2025, the early years foundation stage shaped the preschool's provision: learning, development and care were brought together through stories, play and practical activities. The curriculum built learning in sequence, with staff planning activities around children's next steps.

The Gruffalo prompted children to discuss a favourite book and recount its story to friends. Songs and rhymes also featured in the day, giving children different ways to engage with words. Activities around World Kindness Day and Diwali introduced community life and other people's beliefs.

Physical learning had concrete challenges. In April 2025, children tackled raised balance beams and received help with pot stilts, while pipettes and dough gave them practice controlling their fingers and hands. These experiences connected larger movements with the smaller movements needed for writing.

Language teaching was the important weakness. In April 2025, staff used repeated phrases and signs, but their approach varied: some children remained outside conversations and moved away rather than joining in. Staff needed a better understanding of language development so that activities gave children more opportunities to learn vocabulary and exchange ideas.

At the April 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and identified SEND support as a strength, with staff, parents and professionals assessing progress together and referrals helping children obtain additional support. This was a specific assessment of practice at that time.

In April 2025, staff helped children express their feelings and seek assistance, including on behalf of a friend. Children approached adults for comfort when unfamiliar people were present. These examples show how relationships supported both reassurance and consideration for others.

Family involvement extended into activities: in April 2025, parents and relatives joined children for baking and reading, and staff shared ideas for stories at home. Staff also discussed healthy food choices and oral health with children. Supervision meetings and training supported practitioners in understanding their responsibilities.

The address is Preston Brook Village Hall, Sandy Lane, Preston Brook, Runcorn, WA7 3AW.

In April 2025, attendance ran Monday to Friday during school terms, with sessions from 9am to 3pm. Government-funded places served children aged two to four, including children receiving disadvantage funding. These arrangements describe the offer at that date.

• Conversation and participation. In April 2025, some children missed opportunities to join discussions. Ask how staff now involve quieter children and extend their vocabulary during group activities.
• Term-time attendance. The April 2025 pattern was weekday sessions from 9am to 3pm during school terms. Does that pattern fit the childcare your family needs across the year?

Preston Brook Preschool's April 2025 picture suits families drawn to practical independence, shared reading and active involvement in their child's learning. Its term-time session pattern is central to that fit. The language-teaching weakness deserves attention alongside the concrete examples of emotional support and collaboration with families.