Holymoorside Pre-School

In March 2023, toy-vehicle repairs and a story-led bear hunt illustrated Holymoorside Pre-School's practical play, conversation and use of the village outdoors. Based at Village Hall in Holymoorside, Chesterfield, it has 26 places in total.

At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four. That dated picture is useful, with two clear priorities alongside the strengths: including quieter children and explaining everyday hazards.

The early years foundation stage links learning, development and care: here, the March 2023 examples included imaginative play, conversations, stories and opportunities to practise physical skills. It is the shared framework for early years provision, rather than an extra programme.

In March 2023, children persisted with fitting wheels to toy tractors, supported by staff when the task became difficult. Play-dough birthday cakes prompted conversations about who the cake was for and their next birthday. Both examples show how ordinary play became an opportunity to solve problems or express ideas.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt also extended beyond story time. In March 2023, children searched the village recreational field for a bear concealed among trees, recalling the story as they went. Daily outdoor play offered exercise, while putting on coats and wellington boots gave children practice in doing things for themselves.

In March 2023, staff used observations to shape an emphasis on communication: listening, following instructions, holding conversations and expressing feelings. Parents received updates about development and ideas for practising skills at home, connecting the pre-school day with family life.

Sharing resources and taking turns were supported, but quieter children sometimes needed help that staff missed. This matters for a child who watches a game rather than readily joining it.

Daily equipment checks were part of the March 2023 arrangements. However, staff sometimes moved children away from a hazard without explaining the reason, including when children played at the bottom of the slide. Healthy snacks, handwashing and pouring drinks provided further opportunities to build everyday independence.

The address is Village Hall, Holymoorside, Chesterfield, S42 7EB.

In March 2023, attendance followed a term-time morning pattern on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with sessions running from 8.45am to 12.30pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• A quieter child's participation. In March 2023, staff sometimes missed children needing support to join others. Discuss how practitioners now recognise and include a child who hangs back.
• Understanding hazards. The March 2023 improvement priority was to explain risks, rather than simply redirect children. Look for examples of how children learn why a situation could hurt them.
• Morning attendance. The March 2023 pattern combined term-time provision with four named weekdays. Does the current session arrangement fit your family's weekly routine?

Holymoorside's March 2023 picture suits families drawn to practical, conversational play and outdoor experiences within a term-time morning routine. The toy repairs and story-led outing give that picture substance. For a quieter child, active help with joining games deserves particular attention; explanations about safety were the other clear improvement priority.