Springboard Opportunity Group- South Weston

Individual communication needs shaped the learning here: signs, visual prompts and stories gave children different ways to take part. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated Springboard Opportunity Group- South Weston Outstanding, finding exceptional specialist support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and excellent progress.

The setting has 12 places in total. Its Weston Super Mare base is The For All Healthy Living Centre. In May 2023, its provision was solely for children with SEND, with opening hours serving children aged two to under five. That specialist remit is central to understanding the setting.

In May 2023, learning combined individual developmental targets with opportunities for children to choose activities. Flour became a material for making prints and pictures; organised group activities practised attention, listening and waiting for a turn. This connected individual priorities with shared experiences.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. In May 2023, that took practical form through language work, creative play and physical exploration. Signs and visual prompts accompanied spoken language, while new vocabulary was revisited in different contexts.

Book areas provided comfortable places for reading. In May 2023, children joined stories through movements, repeated words and props, and staff took them to the local library. Outside, the garden was used across the day, with outings to a park and allotment extending opportunities for movement and exploration. Growing vegetables and picking them for snacks connected outdoor activity with food.

In May 2023, preparation for joining included visits to children's homes and stay-and-play opportunities. Staff used knowledge of children's interests and needs to plan activities, giving settling and learning a shared starting point.

Developmental targets came from staff and other professionals. In May 2023, staff tracked learning and responded to gaps, while the manager sought additional funding when children needed it. Families also received guidance about services and ideas for supporting learning at home; coffee mornings and training offered opportunities to meet staff and other parents.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff able to recognise welfare concerns and follow reporting procedures, supported by regular training, safety checks and recruitment controls.

In May 2023, snacks were selected to suit individual dietary requirements. Staff supervision and training also covered behaviour management and supporting children with autism.

The address is The For All Healthy Living Centre, 68 Lonsdale Avenue, Weston Super Mare, BS23 3SJ.

In May 2023, opening hours were Monday and Tuesday, 9am to midday and 1pm to 4pm. A Friday stay-and-play session for parents and children ran from 9.30am to 11.30am. These were separate opportunities for childcare and shared participation with a parent.

In May 2023, the setting received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Specialist provision. In May 2023, the setting worked exclusively with children with SEND. Its individual targets and links with professionals make the fit with a child's support needs a central consideration.
• Attendance arrangements. The May 2023 timetable centred on Monday and Tuesday, with parent participation on Friday. At a visit, what attendance pattern and settling arrangements would apply to your child now?

For families seeking specialist early-years support, the May 2023 findings give a strong basis for considering South Weston. Communication aids, individual targets and support for parents supplied concrete substance to its Outstanding judgement. The inspection-era timetable suited attendance in separate daytime windows and a parent-and-child stay-and-play arrangement; those are different family needs, and the specialist remit should lead the decision.