Scriven Park Pre School

In July 2024, a bug hotel, fairy garden and mud kitchen gave Scriven Park Pre School a recognisable outdoor character. In July 2024, children investigated insects beneath artificial grass, comparing what they found and learning to handle living creatures carefully.

At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised that care included children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The pre-school has capacity for 20 children; those attending in July 2024 were aged two to four.

In July 2024, the outdoor space included a story nook and big dig area alongside the fairy garden and mud kitchen. These gave children places for stories, digging and imaginative play, with insect discoveries adding opportunities to count and compare.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2024 curriculum emphasised communication, social development and physical skills: staff linked play with songs and rhymes, while dough creations prompted older children to describe their ideas in longer sentences.

Stories and early writing sat alongside counting, estimating and comparing. The practical value was a day in which language and mathematical ideas could be practised through activities rather than kept separate from play.

In July 2024, key persons knew children's individual responses well and helped those struggling with emotions to settle themselves. Older children took responsibility for tidying resources and helped younger children, giving everyday routines a social purpose.

Staff also helped children recognise hazards during outdoor play, including slippery wet wood. Healthy snacks and drinking water were provided throughout the day, with children choosing vegetables and learning why drinking regularly mattered.

The address is Meadowside Cp School, Halfpenny Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 0SL.

In July 2024, the pre-school operated Monday to Thursday in term time, with session times of 9am to 3.30pm. It provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that inspection period.

• Younger children's learning. The July 2024 inspection identified a need for more precise observation and planning for younger children, and more opportunities to investigate how things work. At that time, arrangements for overseeing staff practice were also insufficiently established to help every younger child progress as well as possible. These are useful priorities to discuss when considering the pre-school.
• Attendance fit. The July 2024 pattern covered Monday to Thursday during term time. Does the present booking pattern match your family's working week and holiday needs?

Scriven Park Pre School merits consideration for families drawn to practical outdoor exploration and a pre-school day built around communication and social skills. Its July 2024 term-time pattern would suit families seeking attendance within those weekday sessions. The key reservation is the work identified on tracking younger children's learning and extending investigation.