Panda Pre-School

Books that travel home give Panda Pre-School's January 2023 account its clearest character: a lending library extended story-sharing beyond the setting, while a book of the month connected families to an online storyteller. These were practical ways to bring language learning into family life.

Ofsted rated Panda Pre-School Good at its 17 January 2023 inspection. Based at Christ Church Community Rooms in Chadderton, it has capacity for 41 children; the children attending in January 2023 were aged two to four.

In January 2023, books and songs supported language learning, with stories also introducing mathematical ideas. The book of the month used a QR code to give families access to storytelling online, including families whose children were learning English as an additional language.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. In January 2023, that learning took concrete forms: filling containers in water play, balancing indoors and outdoors, and pedalling tricycles. Younger children manipulated play dough; older children practised handling scissors and pencils. These experiences combined movement with opportunities to develop hand control.

Teaching had a limitation. In January 2023, staff sometimes pursued their planned activity rather than responding to a child's developing interests, reducing engagement. More responsive teaching was an improvement priority.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described staff working with parents to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, alongside targeted language support and collaboration with other professionals. This connected support at home with children's experiences in the setting.

In January 2023, staff used greetings in children's first languages and helped children recognise their names for self-registration. Parents received daily learning updates. Familiar language and recognisable routines gave children concrete ways to participate.

Independence was less consistent. In January 2023, children could choose resources and use tools during play, but adults sometimes took over tasks such as putting on coats or pouring drinks. Giving children more opportunities to attempt these routines was another improvement priority.

The address is Christ Church Community Rooms, Block Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 7QB.

In January 2023, attendance ran Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions from 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoon sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. At that time, funded early education was offered for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe the inspection-era offer.

• Everyday independence. January 2023 practice sometimes involved adults completing manageable tasks for children. During a visit, ask how children now practise coats, drinks and other daily routines.
• Following children's interests. Teaching in January 2023 did not consistently adapt when children's interests changed. Ask how staff respond when a planned activity loses a child's attention.
• Attendance planning. The January 2023 pattern combined morning sessions with afternoons on selected days during term time. What attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family now?

Panda's January 2023 account is strongest on shared books, language support and communication with families. Its inspection-era pattern suited families seeking morning sessions or selected afternoon sessions during term time. The balance to weigh is practical: opportunities for independent routines and teaching that responds to children's interests were the two improvement priorities.