Fairhills Pre-School Irlam CIC

In September 2024, storytelling with movement, insect investigations and preparation for school gave Fairhills Pre-School Irlam CIC a practical, playful character. Based at 18 Fiddlers Lane, Manchester, M44 6HN, it has capacity for 32 children.

At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to three: that is the age range at that visit, rather than a current intake rule.

In September 2024, language development ran through stories that children retold through actions. Activities to exercise fingers and hands also prepared them for writing, while tunnels and balancing beams gave them opportunities to practise coordination. Learning involved bodies as well as words.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the September 2024 examples included storytelling, physical play and exploring nature. Outdoors, children examined insects with magnifying glasses and counted their legs. A bug hotel gave staff an opportunity to teach gentle handling of living creatures, including a snail.

In September 2024, staff used conversations with parents about home routines and children's preferences to choose appealing activities. Resources chosen around children's interests helped them settle. Books and puppets supported discussions about feelings, and adults joined play so they could help when disagreements arose.

Parents received updates about care and learning, and staff worked with health visitors and speech and language therapists. Handwashing was part of children's developing independence. Staff also assessed risks during play and dealt promptly with spills.

Preparation for school was concrete: in September 2024, children explored school uniforms through dressing up and read books about school. Staff exchanged information with teaching staff to support continuity between settings. These were transition arrangements, rather than a claim to a school place.

In September 2024, opening hours were 9.15am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. This describes the opening window at that date, rather than particular bookable sessions.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children was provided at the same date. For families considering term-time attendance, that historical pattern is a useful starting point for the joining discussion.

• Joining arrangements. The September 2024 opening pattern was term-time daytime provision. What ages and attendance patterns can a new family book now?
• Teaching development. Staff supervision celebrated strengths, but September 2024 findings called for clearer individual targets to develop teaching and curriculum delivery. Families should weigh that specific improvement point alongside the Good judgement.

The September 2024 account will appeal to families who value learning through stories, movement and nature, with practical preparation for school. Its September 2024 picture combines attentive everyday care with an identified need for more precise staff development. The term-time daytime pattern recorded then will be especially relevant to families seeking attendance organised around school terms.