Sunshine Pre-School

A microphone gave even quieter children a reason to use their voices at Sunshine Pre-School in February 2023. That small detail captures the emphasis on communication: staff used conversation, singing and familiar home languages to encourage children to take part.

Ofsted rated the pre-school Good on 15 February 2023 and found its safeguarding arrangements effective. Based at Deeplish Surestart Centre in Rochdale, it has 24 places in total. Children attending at the time of that visit were aged two to three; that is an inspection-era age range.

In February 2023, language learning extended beyond answering questions. Staff introduced demanding vocabulary while discussing materials, and used children's home languages as a bridge towards English. The microphone added another way to practise speaking, with children hearing themselves sing aloud.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2023 examples included conversation, exploring materials and practising everyday tasks, showing how learning could run through play and routines rather than sit apart from them.

Reading also reached home in February 2023. Children borrowed books, while leaflets and catalogues helped families explore print beyond stories. Staff encouraged curiosity about nature and life beyond the immediate neighbourhood, broadening the subjects children could talk about.

At its February 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities as a strength, with staff recognising gaps in development and working with other agencies to help children participate in learning.

During February 2023, quieter children received individual encouragement, while conversations about jealousy helped children put feelings into words. Calm adult behaviour provided an example for children's interactions. These were practical ways to support participation and relationships.

Snack routines in February 2023 offered opportunities to choose food, pour drinks and tidy away afterwards. However, adults sometimes took over self-care unnecessarily. The improvement needed was greater consistency in letting children do things for themselves.

The address is Deeplish Surestart Centre, Hare Steet, Rochdale OL11 1JT.

In February 2023, opening hours were 9am to midday, Monday to Friday, during term time. The pre-school also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. Those arrangements describe its operation then, rather than a current booking offer.

• Independence in daily routines. In February 2023, some adults stepped in before children needed help with self-care. Look for how practitioners now give children time to manage everyday tasks themselves.
• Challenge during play. In February 2023, adult-led activities stretched some children, but learning during children's own chosen play was not consistently extended. A visit is an opportunity to see how staff build on a child's ideas.
• Attendance fit. The February 2023 opening pattern was mornings during term time. What attendance and funding arrangements would apply to your child now?

Sunshine Pre-School suits families who value language development, help with emotional expression and support for participation. Its February 2023 practice provides concrete examples of each. The same dated assessment also identifies two useful tests for a visit: whether adults allow children enough independence, and whether they extend learning throughout play.