Elm Street Pre-School Community Interest Company

Sensory exploration, tricycle practice and children helping newcomers learn the routines give Elm Street its character in September 2023. Based at Elm Street Community Centre in Manchester, the pre-school has capacity for 32 children. That is a whole-setting figure, rather than the size of a daily group.

At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good overall, with Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, and found safeguarding effective. Children attending at that time were aged two to three; this describes the inspection group.

In September 2023, sensory play introduced children to contrasting textures and temperatures, while outdoor wheeled toys gave them opportunities to practise physical skills. Adults demonstrated pedalling and encouraged children to persist with a tricycle. The emphasis was on trying again.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care, with children learning through play. In September 2023, dough activities exercised the hand muscles used later for writing, and conversations about seasonal changes introduced vocabulary children then used in their games. Children also chose activities for themselves and invited friends into imaginative play.

In September 2023, predictable routines helped children settle, and adults demonstrated sharing and taking turns. Older children helped newcomers understand expectations. Books about different family circumstances gave children a way to explore changes at home, while doctor and dentist role play supported conversations about health.

At the September 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that leaders supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities through assessments, funding applications, help for families and adjustments within the setting. These were practical routes to support, rather than a single approach for every child.

In September 2023, the key-person arrangement linked families with staff, who shared information and lent books and resources for use at home. Observation and assessment also informed work on children's emotional and social development ahead of school.

The address is Elm Street Community Centre, Elm Street, Manchester, M24 2EG.

In September 2023, opening hours were 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. These were opening hours rather than specified booking patterns. At that time, the pre-school received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Language development. In September 2023, staff varied in how well they demonstrated language, and professional development needed strengthening. Consistency in everyday conversations is therefore an important point when weighing the setting's educational offer.
• Attendance fit. The September 2023 opening window covered weekdays in term time. Which current booking pattern would fit your family's week?

Elm Street merits consideration for families who value learning through play and close communication with a key person. Its September 2023 picture combines sensory exploration, physical perseverance and considerate behaviour with practical support for differing needs. The counterweight is the need for more consistent language practice across staff. For families whose childcare needs follow term time, its historical operating pattern provides a useful starting point for judging fit.