Stepping Stones Pre-school

Peas grown by the children and quiet dens for a pause from group play give Stepping Stones Pre-school's July 2022 day its character. Based at Melton Community Centre in Kettering, it has 40 places in total. At its 11 July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding overall.

Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest examples joined practical independence with conversation: growing vegetables, tackling puzzles and making things together gave children something tangible to discuss and work through.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, with play providing opportunities to practise communication, counting and practical skills.

In July 2022, a caterpillar story led to conversations about insects and counting ladybird spots. Wooden construction pieces became a shared building project, while puzzles encouraged children to try different positions rather than abandon a difficult task. Staff introduced vocabulary through sea-creature puzzles and stories, connecting new words to something children could see or do.

The pre-school allotment brought growing into that July 2022 experience. Children planted seeds, tended seedlings and replanted them outdoors; peas were tasted and potatoes went home. This made the connection between growing food and eating it concrete. Indoors, hole punches, scissors and pegs gave children practice with small tools and a way to display their creations.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described individual support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language, including picture cards for communicating choices, routines and feelings.

Quiet dens containing sensory toys and books were part of the July 2022 room arrangement. Children could choose these spaces themselves, giving them somewhere to pause while remaining within the group room. Staff also offered comfort when children were upset and helped them talk through emotions.

Parent conversations informed activities in July 2022. Staff asked about experiences at home and used that knowledge to broaden children's experiences, including the allotment work. At snack time, children practised spreading toast with a knife, with help for those who found it difficult.

The address is Melton Community Centre, Cross Street, Kettering, NN16 9DH.

In July 2022, the pre-school operated Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions running from 8.30am to 3pm. It provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are dated attendance arrangements, rather than a current booking promise.

• Attendance and costs. The July 2022 pattern was term-time weekday care ending at 3pm. What current booking and funding arrangements, including food and consumable costs, would apply to your child?
• Time between judgement and choice. The Outstanding judgement dates from July 2022. Treat its detailed examples as a picture of practice then when weighing your decision today.

Stepping Stones merits consideration by families who value practical play, growing food and space for children to manage their emotions. Its July 2022 experience suits that preference especially well: everyday tasks gave children opportunities to persevere, talk and become more independent. The historical term-time pattern also makes it relevant to families considering care around school terms.