Tiny Steps Pre-Schools

Language, stories and preparation for school shaped children's experiences at Tiny Steps Pre-Schools in July 2022. Based within the grounds of Uplands Manor Primary School in Smethwick, it has capacity for 60 children aged 24 to 36 months.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found effective safeguarding arrangements and good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). That is a dated judgement: a subsequent regulatory finding in July 2025 also matters to families considering the setting.

In July 2022, language development shaped the activities: staff demonstrated vocabulary and used words from children's home languages to help those learning English. Celebrations and resources introduced different traditions, giving children opportunities to recognise both shared experiences and cultural differences.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2022 examples included conversation around stories, creative play and practising physical skills. The Very Hungry Caterpillar prompted discussion about food, including watermelon and its seeds; manipulating play dough gave children another way to explore and create.

Outdoors in July 2022, a large climbing frame supported balancing, climbing and sliding, while adults helped children share equipment and judge risks. The educational purpose was less consistent. Some younger children drifted between resources, and staff needed to do more to extend learning outside. Staff also differed in their understanding of how to put the curriculum into practice, despite the manager identifying children's next learning steps.

In July 2022, the key-person arrangement gave staff detailed knowledge of individual children. Adults offered comfort when children needed it and helped them join activities. Staff undertook training relating to SEND and medical needs, while staff recognised additional language support needs and praised children for meeting their individual targets.

Communication with families in July 2022 covered children's development and areas needing extra attention. Everyday independence also featured: children managed toileting, handwashing and pouring their drinks, with adults encouraging healthy food choices. School staff visited children in the preschool, allowing them to meet future adults in familiar surroundings before moving on.

In its outcome dated 16 July 2025, Ofsted recorded that a regulatory telephone call on 8 July 2025 had identified a failure to notify it of two significant staff-related events, while concluding that the underlying concerns had otherwise been handled appropriately under local safeguarding guidance, including liaison with the local authority designated officer. The provider acknowledged the notification oversight; this outcome needs to be read alongside the older safeguarding judgement.

The address is Uplands Manor Primary School, Addenbrooke Road, Smethwick, B67 6HT. Opening hours are 8.45am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure in school holidays. That calendar matters for families whose work continues throughout the year.

In July 2022, the preschool provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. This describes participation at that time rather than guaranteeing a funded place now.

Being based on school grounds does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still use the local authority admissions process for a state-school application.

• Teaching consistency. In July 2022, staff differed in how well they understood curriculum delivery. On a visit, ask how practitioners now plan the next steps for individual children.
• Outdoor learning. Younger children's play outside sometimes lacked purpose in July 2022. Ask how adults extend learning around the climbing frame and other outdoor resources.
• Notification procedures. The 16 July 2025 outcome identified missed notifications concerning staff-related events. Ask what procedures now ensure significant events are reported promptly.

Tiny Steps suits families seeking term-time preschool care within a primary-school setting. Its July 2022 examples give substance to the emphasis on language, practical independence and preparation for school. The teaching weaknesses and July 2025 notification finding make curriculum consistency and reporting procedures the key points to explore before choosing it.