Abracadabra Pre School

In July 2025, a mud kitchen, an allotment and space to practise balancing gave Abracadabra Pre School a practical, active character. In July 2025, children could choose their own play and use outdoor space throughout the day, bringing movement and exploration into the learning routine.

At its July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children made good progress, including those receiving additional support. The setting has capacity for 26 children aged 24 to 60 months in Milnrow, Rochdale.

In July 2025, learning followed children's interests: making models from discarded materials and investigating the mud kitchen gave them opportunities to make choices and pursue ideas. The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the inspection-time examples included conversation, creative play and physical activity.

Language work in July 2025 used storytelling, singing and everyday conversation to develop vocabulary, including for children learning English alongside another language. Books and discussions also introduced Polish traditions, Chinese New Year and disability, giving children concrete subjects through which to explore difference.

Outdoor play had substance. In July 2025, children practised riding bikes with two wheels, negotiated tyres and balancing beams, worked with paint rollers and dug in the allotment. These experiences offered different ways to practise movement and coordination. The large outdoor area could be used continuously, rather than only during a scheduled outdoor session.

A visual feelings board helped children communicate emotions in July 2025, with opportunities to change how they represented their feelings during the day. Cooperative play also mattered: children worked together with windmills and practised taking turns.

Additional support in July 2025 involved individual plans, sensory materials, visual prompts and predictable routines. Staff worked with families and outside professionals, adapting activities so children needing extra help could participate. Parent communication included updates, regular meetings and advice for continuing learning at home. Information sharing with schools, speech therapists and health visitors supported continuity between services.

Leadership procedures needed attention in July 2025. A committee change had been notified, but the required process had not been followed in full; the necessary safety checks had nevertheless been completed, with no impact on children.

Abracadabra Pre School is at Rear of Cedar Lane, Milnrow, Rochdale, OL16 4LD. Opening hours are 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure during school holidays. That calendar matters for families whose childcare needs continue through the holidays.

In July 2025, the pre-school provided government-funded childcare. This establishes participation at that date, rather than a promise about an individual family's funded arrangement.

• Challenge for more able children. In July 2025, staff did not consistently extend learning far enough for children ready for greater challenge. During a visit, ask how practitioners recognise those children and deepen their thinking.
• Committee procedures. The July 2025 procedural lapse concerned a committee change, although safety checks were completed. Following the whole process matters alongside carrying out those checks.
• Term-time calendar. The setting closes during school holidays and finishes at 4pm. Its opening pattern needs to fit the family's working day and holiday arrangements.

Abracadabra suits families seeking term-time childcare. At the July 2025 inspection, active play, conversation and opportunities for children to make choices shaped the learning experience. Its July 2025 strengths were tangible: outdoor exploration, practical emotional support and links between families and other professionals. The qualification is equally clear. Children ready to move further ahead needed more consistent challenge, and leadership procedures required closer attention.