Smylers Preschool/Wraparound

Gerry Giraffe gave children a way to talk about feelings, while a magic stone helped them speak to their friends. These small, concrete devices capture the emphasis on communication at Smylers Preschool/Wraparound in November 2021.

At its November 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received helpful additional support. Smylers has capacity for 24 children; the children attending at that visit were aged two to four.

In November 2021, children recognised their written names during self-registration and helped one another identify shapes in a game. Learning had a social element: children shared knowledge as well as practising it themselves.

The early years foundation stage brings learning and care together: in November 2021, children practised recognising written names, identifying shapes, speaking to friends and listening to others. In November 2021, planning used children's interests and individual learning needs. A focus week for each child brought their progress into discussion with parents, who could contribute beforehand.

Outdoor play included a sand pit where children searched for pirate treasure, alongside making telescopes for their play. There was room to strengthen this exploration: in November 2021, opportunities to investigate through trial and error were sometimes too limited. Daily routines also occasionally interrupted children's learning or prevented them from taking part in a chosen activity.

In November 2021, Gerry Giraffe supported conversations about emotions during circle time; children could squeeze him when sad. Holding the magic stone gave children a turn to speak while others listened. Both made communication tangible.

Support for children with additional needs included referrals, contact with other professionals and specific learning targets. In November 2021, staff also used autism training in their work, and home visits offered support to families who wanted it.

Newsletters and a digital app kept parents informed at that time. Reading books went home with a record, connecting literacy practice between preschool and home. Healthy snacks, handwashing songs and conversations about toothbrushing brought health habits into the day.

Smylers is based at St. Lukes C of E Cp School, Pepper Street, Silverdale, Newcastle, ST5 6QJ.

In November 2021, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time; a holiday club opened from 8.30am to 5.30pm during school holidays. Funded early education then covered two-, three- and four-year-old children. These are dated arrangements rather than a current booking offer.

In November 2021, school transition included classroom visits and a teacher visiting preschool, with reading and writing methods aligned between the settings. Attending a nursery on a school site does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Continuity of learning. Daily routines sometimes broke up children's chosen activities in November 2021. Ask how routines now protect sustained play.
• Independent exploration. The November 2021 improvement priorities included more investigation. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how children test ideas for themselves.
• Attendance arrangements. Term-time opening and a holiday club formed the November 2021 model. What attendance patterns and funded arrangements would apply to your child now?

Smylers suits families drawn to communication through play and a connection between preschool and school learning. Its November 2021 strengths included practical ways to express feelings and involve parents. The decision also needs to weigh the two improvement priorities: protecting uninterrupted learning and giving children more scope to investigate independently.