Shining Stars Pre-School, Denton

Colour mixing, garden bricks and books to borrow give Shining Stars Pre-School, Denton a practical, hands-on character in its September 2025 account. Based at Denton Community Association, it has capacity for 15 children aged 24 to 60 months.

At its 4 September 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The strongest detail lies in how everyday play becomes learning, alongside clear improvements needed in children's interaction and emotional understanding.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the September 2025 activities illustrate learning through play, with counting, exploration and personal development woven into the day.

In September 2025, children experimented with flour and water, persevered with puzzles and joined colour mixing. Mathematics extended beyond counting: tracing shapes in sand and measuring garden bricks brought shape and size into practical play. These examples give parents a concrete picture of the activities children encountered.

Planning started with staff watching children play and assessing what they could do, then choosing activities to extend those abilities. Independence and confidence were central aims. However, children tended to play beside one another, with more conversation directed towards adults than other children. Encouragement to exchange ideas and collaborate was inconsistent.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found strong SEND support through collaboration with families and professionals, with additional funding used for sensory movement equipment, and found that children starting with less confidence or fewer skills progressed rapidly.

In September 2025, familiar staff had close relationships with children and their families. Parents contributed traditions, food and celebrations, while staff used children's home languages. A lending library extended book sharing into family life; staff training had also led to more targeted communication resources.

Disagreements were stopped promptly, but adults did not consistently explain feelings or the effect of children's actions on others. Some children were asked to reflect alone, an approach they could struggle to understand. Calm behaviour and learning to manage emotions were not yet equally well supported.

The address is Denton Community Association, Slatyford Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 2UQ.

In September 2025, opening hours were 9am to 2pm from Monday to Wednesday and 9am to 3pm on Thursday and Friday, during term time. Government-funded places were offered, and the setting received additional funding for disadvantaged children.

• Playing together. September 2025 practice gave children fewer opportunities to exchange ideas with peers. Look for how staff now encourage shared play and conversation.
• Understanding emotions. Adults sometimes used solitary reflection after disagreements in September 2025. Discuss how children are helped to name feelings and understand one another.
• Term-time routine. The September 2025 opening pattern varied across the week. What timetable and booking arrangements would apply to your child now?

Shining Stars suits families who value practical early learning and close relationships with staff, with term-time attendance reflected in its September 2025 account. Sand, garden bricks and the lending library make that account tangible. The balancing consideration is equally concrete: children needed more help to play cooperatively and make sense of their emotions.