Stepping Stones

In March 2024, allotment exploration, local walks and planting herbs and vegetables shaped Stepping Stones' outdoor learning. Based at The Institute in Cononley, it has 40 places in total. At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The children attending in March 2024 were aged two to four. That visit captured a preschool where practical independence mattered: children chose their play materials, recognised their names and tackled small tasks for themselves.

In March 2024, outdoor activity was planned daily, with walks that encouraged children to notice nature and listen to their surroundings. The allotment gave them space to explore and grow things. Road safety was part of these outings, with a rope helping the group stay together.

Growing herbs and vegetables connected healthy eating with something children could do themselves. A train journey to Skipton was being planned that March to purchase seeds and plants for pizza toppings. This was a planned outing, rather than a completed trip.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the March 2024 examples included choosing activities, talking about plants and practising everyday skills such as spreading a cracker. Learning had a practical shape.

In March 2024, children built close relationships with their key person and the wider staff team. Staff gathered information about families and children's interests to help them settle, then used books and resources linked to those interests to encourage communication.

A lending library also allowed children to take favourite books home to share with family. It made reading a connection between preschool and home.

Communication needed more consistency. In March 2024, some parents were unclear about their child's next learning goals, despite receiving information about progress and ideas for home activities. Exchanges with other childcare settings were also inconsistent, making it harder to connect learning across settings.

The address is The Institute, Main Street, Cononley, Keighley, BD20 8LJ.

In March 2024, attendance ran Monday to Friday during term time, with session times of 7.45am to 5.30pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are dated arrangements, rather than a current booking offer.

• Learning at home. In March 2024, not every parent understood the next learning goals. Discuss how your child's key person will make these clear and useful at home.
• Shared childcare. Information exchange with other settings needed strengthening in March 2024. Families combining providers should discuss how learning information will pass between them.
• Attendance and costs. The March 2024 pattern was term-time attendance. At a visit, ask how current booking options, funded hours and charges for food or consumables fit your needs, and request a written quotation.

Stepping Stones suits families drawn to practical preschool learning, growing activities and time outdoors. Its March 2024 picture combines close staff relationships with opportunities for children to do things independently. Families using another childcare setting, or wanting precise guidance for learning at home, should give communication particular attention.