Kids Count Pre-School

A promises board, responsibilities for children and conversations with food-bank volunteers gave Kids Count Pre-School a recognisable character in April 2022: independence and consideration for others ran through its day. At its 22 April 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, finding that its curriculum supported excellent progress.

Based at Shoreline Church in Southport, the setting has capacity for 20 children aged 24 to 48 months. It operates during term time, making the school-holiday calendar a significant practical consideration for working families.

The early years foundation stage brings learning and care together: children develop language, learn about feelings and relationships, and practise physical skills through play and everyday routines.

In April 2022, learning followed children's interests while stretching their language. An interest in space led to work on planets and their order; volcano discussions introduced more precise vocabulary. Children had time to think before answering questions, giving them room to develop ideas rather than simply repeat an adult's response.

Books connected with practical activities. In April 2022, dinosaur play in the garden was accompanied by a relevant book, linking sorting with discussion of size and features. Children also selected books for themselves. Outside, mixing sand and water became an exercise in problem-solving as children adjusted their mixture and reconsidered its ingredients.

Daily aerobics in April 2022 combined movement, balancing and songs with explanations about breathing and exercise. Community learning extended to the food bank in the attached church hall and conversations with local pensioners. Activities exploring Diwali and Chinese New Year introduced other celebrations through participation.

At the April 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with knowledgeable managers, staff who understood reporting procedures and attention to children's emotional wellbeing.

In April 2022, the promises board helped children discuss kindness and recognise feelings. Happy helpers, a responsibility role for children, moved water dispensers, while others prepared snack tables. A child also demonstrated preparing their own changing equipment. These were practical opportunities to take responsibility for familiar routines.

Health learning in April 2022 included brushing practice with real toothbrushes and food discussions linked to The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Staff had undertaken early years mental-health training, monitored absences and taught children to assess risks during indoor and outdoor play.

The address is Shoreline Church, 9 Mornington Road, Southport, PR9 0TS. Opening hours are 9am to 3pm on Monday and 8.30am to 4pm from Tuesday to Friday. The setting closes for school holidays.

In April 2022, session times were Tuesday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm, and funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds. That funding position belongs to the inspection date.

• Term-time attendance. School holidays are closure periods. Families needing care throughout the year will need arrangements for those breaks.
• Monday hours. Monday runs from 9am to 3pm, compared with 8.30am to 4pm on the other weekdays. That difference matters when matching care to work commitments.
• Taking responsibility. The April 2022 examples included snack preparation and changing routines. On a visit, ask how settling and daily responsibilities are adapted for children at the younger end of the current age range.

Kids Count Pre-School suits families seeking term-time weekday care for children aged 24 to 48 months, with a shorter Monday opening window. Its Outstanding April 2022 judgement provides a strong dated assessment; the most memorable examples are children thinking through problems, taking responsibility and learning about people beyond their immediate circle.