Springboard Opportunity Group, Weston

A communication card used to request a snack captures the practical purpose of this specialist setting: helping children express a need and make a choice. At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated Springboard Opportunity Group, Weston Outstanding and found that teaching was carefully adapted for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Based at Ashcombe Children's Centre in Weston-Super-Mare, the setting has 34 places in total. In July 2022, the children attending were aged 2 to 4, and all had SEND. That specialist context is central to understanding the provision.

In July 2022, communication took several forms: spoken language, gestures, makaton and the picture exchange communication system, giving children different ways to express choices and needs. Activities were adjusted to individual children, who practised turn-taking alongside communicating.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2022 examples connected those requirements with everyday skills: requesting food, making decisions and interacting with other people. Trips to local shops and cafes extended that practice beyond the setting.

A sensory room and quieter spaces gave children somewhere to withdraw when they needed to settle themselves in July 2022. Staff also offered sensory resources when additional help was needed. Emotional regulation had a physical place in the day, alongside activities and social interaction.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff able to recognise concerns and follow reporting procedures, supported by safer recruitment and work with external agencies.

In July 2022, tired or overwhelmed children could pause and rest; staff used gentle singing and sensory toys to help them settle. Communication with other professionals and with children's additional settings supported consistency between the places they attended.

Parents had access to workshops, drop-ins and a lounge for meeting staff and other families in July 2022. School preparation was concrete too: staff joined school meetings, passed on guidance and helped children explore the feel and appearance of uniforms. These were practical steps towards a different daily routine.

The address is Ashcombe Children's Centre, Stepping Stone Walk, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 3NA.

In July 2022, attendance was organised into separate sessions from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, during term time. Stay-and-play ran on Tuesdays throughout the year, with a play scheme during some holidays. These are dated attendance arrangements rather than a current booking offer.

• Specialist provision. All children attending in July 2022 had SEND. A visit should explore how the setting would adapt communication and activities to your child's individual needs.
• Attendance pattern. The July 2022 timetable separated morning and afternoon attendance and operated during term time. What current session pattern and funding arrangements would fit your family?
• Preparing for school. July 2022 practice included school meetings and exploring uniforms. Discuss which parts of a new routine your child would need to rehearse.

Springboard's strongest July 2022 examples were small, purposeful steps: communicating a choice, finding somewhere calm and becoming familiar with school clothing. They give substance to its Outstanding judgement. It suits families seeking specialist SEND provision; its inspection-era timetable catered for morning and afternoon attendance, alongside separate stay-and-play and holiday activities.