Play Aloud St Andrews

Giant African land snails, cake-making and experiments with a balancing beam marked children's learning at Play Aloud St Andrews in February 2023. At its 2 February 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Outstanding, with an ambitious curriculum and teaching that extended children's thinking.

Based at St Andrews C of E Primary School on Benslow Lane in Hitchin, the setting has 78 places in total. In February 2023, children attending were aged 2 to 11, across preschool and out-of-school provision; that age range belongs to the inspection period.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: everyday play and practical activities help children build language, independence and physical skills. In February 2023, those experiences included discussing the calcium needed by giant African land snails and using picture instructions to bake cakes. Everyday tasks became opportunities to think and explain.

During that month, children handled eggs and weighed ingredients, put on aprons themselves and cleaned their baking equipment afterwards. A balancing beam supported experiments with jumping and throwing a beanbag. These examples brought physical activity, problem-solving and responsibility together.

Community experiences also featured in February 2023. Children travelled to local destinations by bus and train, while recycling activities connected their learning with the surrounding community. Older children contributed through questionnaires about the after-school club; preschool children made choices about their activities. Both gave children a part in shaping their day.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised targeted help for children with potential learning delays, including support for families through referrals.

In February 2023, staff discussed safeguarding concerns daily and shared relevant information between preschool and out-of-school provision. Children practised managing everyday risks, including carrying and storing scissors safely. Younger children also received help from older children, who shared toys with them.

Health awareness had a practical place in that month's routines. Children felt their heartbeats after energetic activity, and a rolling lunch arrangement let them respond to hunger rather than stop together at a fixed point. Staff used questions that invited children to develop their own ideas and listen to one another.

The address is St Andrews C of E Primary School, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, SG4 9RD.

In February 2023, term-time out-of-school sessions ran from 7.30am to 8.45am and from 3.10pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. School-holiday provision ran from 7.30am to 6.30pm, and wraparound care for children attending the school's nursery operated between 8.50am and 12.20pm.

The setting operated within the primary school's grounds in February 2023. Attending this provision does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Preschool and older children. The February 2023 provision combined preschool with out-of-school care. How are spaces and routines organised for the different ages today?
• Attendance pattern. February 2023 arrangements covered term-time out-of-school sessions, school holidays and school-nursery wraparound. Which current pattern would fit your child's timetable?

Play Aloud St Andrews suits families who value practical learning, children's independence and experiences beyond the setting. The February 2023 examples are concrete: baking, animal care, travel and recycling all contributed to children's day. Its provision then served both term-time wraparound and school-holiday attendance, giving this school-site setting a broader role than preschool alone.