The Peaks Preschool

At the May 2022 inspection, children's experiences included balancing on a wooden plank between tyres, sharing vegetables with older neighbours and helping friends prepare for water play. This Peak Forest setting has capacity for 24 children. Its May 2022 experience combined practical play with attention to relationships and everyday routines.

At its 27 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection period.

In May 2022, physical activity involved balancing across a plank supported by tyres and climbing outdoor steps before jumping down. Measuring cardboard cylinders and using construction materials gave children further opportunities to practise coordination. These were concrete tasks with different physical demands, rather than a day confined to table activities.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2022 examples included physical play, conversation and learning how to cooperate. Staff combined information from parents with their own assessments to decide what children would learn next.

Community activity also had a practical purpose. In May 2022, the preschool's account of seasonal activities included sending harvest vegetables to older residents and delivering Easter cards to people living alone. Those gestures introduced children to neighbours and to lives beyond their own families.

In May 2022, staff comforted children who struggled to separate from their families, helping them become involved in activities. Daily conversations with parents allowed information to pass between home and preschool. Staff also acknowledged family milestones, including the birth of a sibling, giving children opportunities to share news that mattered to them.

Encouragement extended to small achievements: tidying earned stars, and staff recognised children's efforts. Children helped one another, including assisting a friend with an apron for water play. These examples made consideration for others part of ordinary activity.

Independence was less consistent. In May 2022, children cut bananas with safety knives at morning snack and helped distribute cups, but other mealtimes did not provide equivalent opportunities. Hand washing was established, while unsuitable hand-drying arrangements sometimes created a cross-infection risk. Both areas required improvement.

The preschool's address is Reading Room, Peak Forest, Buxton, SK17 8EF.

In May 2022, it opened during term time on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9am to 3pm. These were opening hours at this premises. The Wednesday operation mentioned at that time used separately registered premises in Peakdale, so it was a different location.

In May 2022, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. This describes provision at that date.

• Everyday independence. In May 2022, children practised self-service at morning snack but had fewer opportunities at other meals. Ask how those skills now carry through the day.
• Hand-drying arrangements. The May 2022 concern involved hygiene after hand washing. Ask to see how children dry their hands today.
• Attendance at Peak Forest. The May 2022 timetable covered four weekdays at this address, with Wednesday operating elsewhere. What current attendance pattern can your family book at Peak Forest?

For families looking for practical physical play and participation in local community life, the May 2022 picture has clear appeal. The strongest examples are modest but meaningful: balancing, helping a friend and making contact with older neighbours. The judgement was Good, with specific improvements needed in independence and hygiene. The term-time opening pattern belongs to that same dated picture and is central to judging the fit.