Stepping Stones Pre-School

In June 2024, a water-filled trench, bug hunting and drawings that turned into spirals gave Stepping Stones Pre-School its character: children pursued an idea, while adults helped them take it further. The pre-school has 22 places in total; children attending in June 2024 were aged two to four.

At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found effective safeguarding, sustained progress and individualised SEND support involving parents and other agencies. There were also clear weaknesses in daily routines and management evaluation.

In June 2024, learning connected indoor exploration with outdoor discovery. Children identified bugs using a computer, then took that knowledge outside to search for them. Books helped children find out more about their discoveries.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the June 2024 examples show learning through play, conversation and exploration. Adults introduced spirals during drawing, and children later experimented with the pattern independently. New vocabulary had an immediate use.

Physical play was equally purposeful in June 2024. Children moved heavy materials for construction and devised obstacle courses, while freely accessible craft materials indoors gave them opportunities to develop hand control. The trench activity combined persistence, transporting water and imaginative storytelling. Children could return to an idea rather than abandon it after one attempt.

In June 2024, parents could stay alongside children who needed reassurance before settling into play. Staff discussed development with families and involved them in planning next steps, connecting support at home with the pre-school day.

Adults also helped children practise sharing and taking turns in June 2024, judging when to intervene and when to let them work through disagreements. However, communal meals and tidying could become disorderly because staff lacked a shared method for organising them. These routines offered less learning value than intended.

The address is Aldborough CP School, Alby Hill, Alby, Norwich, NR11 7PH.

In June 2024, attendance was term-time only, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with sessions running from 8.45am to 4.30pm. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that time. These are dated attendance arrangements, rather than a promise of today's booking options.

• Daily routines. In June 2024, meals and tidying lacked consistent organisation. This matters because transitions should support children's participation as well as keep the day moving.
• Management oversight. In June 2024, evaluation did not pinpoint improvement needs sufficiently, including the effect of staff deployment. More precise evaluation and staff coaching were required to strengthen teaching.
• Planning attendance. The June 2024 pattern covered three named weekdays during term time. At a visit, how do the current session choices and funded arrangements fit your family's week?

The provision observed in June 2024 suited families drawn to practical exploration, imaginative construction and adults extending children's ideas through conversation. Its June 2024 provision combined these strengths with support involving parents, but the organisation of everyday routines and management evaluation needed attention. The dated term-time attendance pattern also makes the fit with a family's working week an important decision.