Piccadilly Pre-school

Magnetic-block construction, growing fruit and vegetables, and conversations about home life give Piccadilly Pre-school's October 2022 experience its character. Based at Piccadilly Methodist Church on Wentworth Road in Swinton, it has capacity for 30 children.

At its October 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good and judged safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four. That dated picture provides a useful starting point for families considering this sessional setting.

In October 2022, children chose their own play materials and spent sustained periods building with magnetic blocks. Choosing, constructing and sharing their creations gave them opportunities to practise independence and explain their ideas.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the October 2022 activities included stories, listening games, play dough and drawing. A sound-identification activity connected laughing, singing and snoring with children's experiences at home. Play dough tools and marks representing family members gave small hands practice for later writing.

Outside, in October 2022, a spacious area supported running, balancing and climbing. Children also grew fruit and vegetables, bringing learning about nature into something they could tend themselves.

At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that staff supported emotional wellbeing and identified additional needs early, but some SEND strategies were ineffective, explanations about behaviour needed more attention, staff development needed sharper targeting, and children needed more help with mathematics, prompting plans to develop resources and staff teaching skills. These are material considerations for families seeking support tailored to their child.

In October 2022, staff got to know families and helped children settle, while conversations during play encouraged social communication. Children took responsibility for tidying toys and clearing snack tables. The improvement priorities make an important distinction: stopping unwanted behaviour needed to be accompanied by helping children understand its effect on other people.

The address is Piccadilly Methodist Church, Wentworth Road, Swinton, S64 8JZ.

In October 2022, opening hours were 8.30am to 2.45pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded early education was provided then for children aged two, three and four. These describe the inspection-period arrangements rather than a current attendance offer.

• Support matched to the child. The October 2022 findings included uneven SEND strategies and staff-development priorities. During a visit, discuss how practitioners would support your child's individual needs and help them understand behaviour.
• Term-time planning. The October 2022 opening pattern followed term time. What attendance arrangements and funded hours would apply to your family now?

Piccadilly will appeal to families who value the child-chosen play, practical outdoor experiences and communication activities seen in October 2022. The block-building, growing and listening activities give that picture substance. The Good judgement sits alongside clear priorities for SEND practice, behaviour explanations and staff development; those deserve attention when deciding whether the setting fits an individual child.