Kirkbymoorside Pre-School Playgroup

Paint explored with potatoes, tyres for balancing and a spider web turned into a conversation about rain: Kirkbymoorside Pre-School Playgroup's September 2023 activities put everyday discovery to work. Practical experiences gave children things to investigate, talk about and try for themselves.

At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the playgroup Good, found safeguarding effective and judged support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities positively. The setting has 26 places in total; children attending in September 2023 were aged 2 to 10, encompassing preschool and school-age provision.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the September 2023 examples included conversation, imaginative play and physical exploration. Staff joined children's pretend play and used questions suited to their ages. Songs, rhymes and stories gave children further opportunities to practise listening and speaking.

In September 2023, younger children experimented with paint using hands and everyday objects, while older children discussed photographs and differences between themselves and friends. Outdoors, children balanced on tyres and collected water to create puddles. These activities combined movement with opportunities to cooperate. A spider web also prompted discussion about how webs form and hold rain, bringing new vocabulary into a spontaneous discovery.

In September 2023, familiar staff offered comfort when children needed reassurance, and gentle reminders helped children treat each other and resources kindly. Children practised managing coats, wellies and handwashing themselves. Small tasks made independence part of the day.

Communication extended beyond the setting. In September 2023, parents received updates about activities, and a lending library helped continue early reading experiences at home. Individual learning plans, referrals and links with speech and language professionals and Portage formed the arrangements for additional support. Parents supplied packed lunches, with staff encouraging balanced food choices and sharing dental-health information.

The address is The Old Canteen, Westfields, Kirkbymoorside, York, YO62 6AG. In September 2023, the playgroup occupied purpose-built premises on a primary-school site. Attending a nursery on a school site does not guarantee a Reception place; families still need to follow the relevant school admissions process.

In September 2023, preschool morning sessions ran from 9am to midday and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3pm, linked by a midday to 12.30pm lunch club. Before-school provision ran from 8am to 8.40am, after-school provision from 3.15pm to 5pm, and the holiday club operated from 8am to 5pm during school holidays. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Learning from the start. In September 2023, staff were not gathering enough information about children's existing abilities before planning their learning. Ask how the starting conversation now captures what your child can already do.
• Staff development. September 2023 supervision arrangements needed clearer targets and better identification of training and support needs. This matters because staff development shapes everyday teaching.
• School-site expectations. Sharing a primary-school site should be considered separately from securing a Reception place. Keep the school application process in your plans.

The September 2023 picture suits families who value practical play, outdoor movement and encouragement towards independence. Morning and afternoon preschool sessions served different attendance needs, alongside care before and after school. The balanced judgement is Good, with useful strengths in everyday experiences and clear development points around initial learning information and staff supervision.