Heyside Pre-school

Books, muddy hills and pretend cooking shaped Heyside Pre-school's March 2024 inspection picture, connecting language, movement and growing independence in this church-hall setting. It has capacity for 35 children at St. Marks Church Hall in Heyside.

At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective, with good support and progress for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those learning English as an additional language. Two improvements mattered: making mathematics more consistent and giving children longer to answer questions.

In March 2024, children explored dough and sand, searched outdoors for insects and invented meals through pretend cooking. The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: play supports children's language, movement and relationships alongside practical independence.

Reading had received deliberate attention. In March 2024, changes to the play space encouraged children to explore books, discuss characters and share stories with adults. These experiences gave conversation a concrete starting point.

Physical play was equally tangible. In March 2024, children used a climbing frame, tackled an obstacle course and practised keeping their footing on muddy slopes. They also compared their reflections, noticing differences in appearance. Movement and discussion brought different parts of learning into everyday play.

Mathematics needed more consistent attention across activities in March 2024, including opportunities to develop counting. Some adults also moved too quickly between questions, leaving children insufficient thinking time.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff supported emotional development well, while precise intervention plans and careful monitoring helped children with SEND and those learning English as an additional language make progress.

In March 2024, books about feelings helped children discuss emotions and kindness. Practising coats, looking after belongings and helping clear away toys gave independence a practical purpose, including preparation for school.

Health and social responsibility also featured in March 2024. Adults demonstrated tooth brushing and stayed alongside children as they brushed; conversations covered fruit, vegetables and dental visits. Collecting food for a local food bank introduced charity through something children could contribute themselves.

The address is St. Marks Church Hall, Oldham Road, Heyside, OL2 6LY. There are 35 places in total.

In March 2024, the setting opened on weekdays during school terms, from 8am until 3pm. Children attending at that time were aged two to four, and funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds. These are the arrangements at that date.

• Mathematics in play. In March 2024, counting and other mathematical ideas were less consistently developed than other areas. Everyday play should give children repeated opportunities to explore these concepts.
• Time to answer. Some questioning in March 2024 moved too quickly. Allowing a child to think before answering matters for conversation and language development.
• Attendance fit. The March 2024 opening pattern followed school terms and ended at 3pm. What attendance arrangements now apply for your child's age and your family's schedule?

Heyside's March 2024 picture will appeal to families who value books, energetic outdoor play and practical independence. The term-time weekday opening pattern recorded then suited schedules ending by mid-afternoon. The balance is clear: engaging experiences and individual support, alongside specific improvements needed in mathematical learning and the pace of adult questioning.