Stay 'n' Play

Growing seeds, caring for tadpoles and making pizzas gave Stay 'n' Play a practical character in March 2022: children learnt through ordinary tasks with something real to discuss and do. The setting has capacity for 26 children and is based in Dewsbury at Bywell C of E Junior School on Bendigo Road, WF12 7LX.

Ofsted rated it Good at its 18 March 2022 inspection. Children attending then were aged 2 to 11, with preschool provision alongside care for school-aged children.

In March 2022, the early years foundation stage provided the framework for children's learning, development and care across seven areas of learning. Mathematical language became part of snack preparation: cutting fruit introduced fractions, while counting pieces connected numbers to something children could handle.

Stories prompted conversation. Staff used props and invited children to discuss what was happening, giving them opportunities to express ideas rather than simply listen. Pizza-making brought cooperation into the same activity as measuring ingredients and choosing toppings.

The garden added another kind of learning. In March 2022, children could decide when to use it, put on their own coats and consider whether they needed hats. An allotment and planting area connected seeds, water and sunshine with food production; caring for caterpillars and tadpoles introduced change and responsibility. Ball games and dancing added energetic movement.

Choice was less consistent in organised activities. During March 2022, adults sometimes steered play too closely, leaving children less room to experiment with their own ideas. Changes to the daily routine also interrupted sustained engagement. These were practical limitations on an otherwise busy day.

At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), making strong progress; support included individual adult help for children with SEND.

In March 2022, the key-person arrangement connected care with information from families about children's needs and routines. Children who had experienced little contact with peers during the pandemic received help to build relationships. Sharing ingredients and taking turns gave social skills a practical setting.

Communication extended beyond the day itself. During March 2022, staff exchanged information with other professionals and used their advice, while recipes and activity boxes supported learning at home. Older children contributed views on menus, resources, trips and the organisation of their surroundings. Staff supervision meetings and training supported the development of practice.

Stay 'n' Play is based in Dewsbury at Bywell C of E Junior School on Bendigo Road, WF12 7LX.

In March 2022, preschool opening hours were 9.15am to 12.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Care for school-aged children operated before school from 7.30am to 9am and after school from 3pm to 6pm; school-holiday opening hours were 8am to 6pm. At that time, funded early education was offered for two- and three-year-old children.

• Children's own ideas. In March 2022, adult direction sometimes narrowed children's play. During a visit, look for opportunities to choose materials and develop an activity independently.
• Time to concentrate. Routine changes interrupted learning in March 2022. Look at how staff protect an absorbing activity before moving children on.
• Your attendance pattern. The March 2022 arrangements combined term-time preschool with school-aged care. What attendance arrangements and funding terms would apply to your child now?

Stay 'n' Play's March 2022 provision suited families seeking morning preschool as well as those needing care around the school day or during holidays. Practical learning and family communication were strengths of that period. The central consideration is how effectively children's own choices and uninterrupted play shape the day.