Saint Jerome's Pre-School Playgroup

Ducklings hatching and a visiting tractor give Saint Jerome's Pre-School Playgroup a recognisable character: children explored living things and real machinery. Those experiences belonged to April 2023. The setting has capacity for 30 children, on Greenloons Drive at St. Jeromes RC Primary School, Liverpool, L37 2LX.

At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, with education, behaviour, personal development and leadership all receiving that judgement. Children attending then were aged 2 to 11, reflecting an offer that included preschool and school-age care.

In April 2023, hands-on discovery shaped activities: children examined minibeasts beneath logs with magnifying glasses, while metal detectors supplied treasure to count. Staff introduced vocabulary through conversation, songs and stories. These examples connected language and mathematics to things children could handle and investigate.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the April 2023 examples included counting, exploring nature and practising independence through play and everyday tasks.

Outdoor activity had substance. In April 2023, children used balance bicycles, tricycles and outdoor beams, with space for running; older children helped younger ones balance. Ducklings gave children an opportunity to practise gentle handling and learn about animal care. Learning about unfamiliar cultures and communities needed greater attention, however.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well supported, with additional funding used to address individual needs. These are dated judgements.

In April 2023, staff listened closely to children and gave them individual attention. Visual reminders helped explain expectations before group activities, while serving snacks, pouring drinks and managing coats gave children practical responsibilities ahead of school.

Family involvement was concrete. In April 2023, parents could participate in first-aid training and read stories to children; a lending library extended book sharing into the home. Staff also had supervision meetings, development targets and access to training. Information sharing with other settings children attended needed improvement, an important consideration for families combining provision.

In April 2023, weekday opening hours were 9am to 3pm during term time. Breakfast and after-school care ran from 7.50am to 9am and from 3pm to 6pm respectively. These describe the arrangements at that date.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children was offered in April 2023. The school-site address should not be read as an admissions advantage: attending does not guarantee a Reception place, and families still use the local authority admissions process.

• Learning beyond familiar experiences. In April 2023, opportunities to explore other cultures and communities needed broadening. On a visit, ask how this now complements the practical nature activities.
• Using more than one setting. Development information was not being shared with other providers in April 2023. Families combining care should discuss how learning information passes between settings.
• Term-time attendance. The April 2023 arrangements combined preschool opening hours with breakfast and after-school care. Ask how the current booking pattern, funded hours and written quotation fit your family's week.

The April 2023 picture suits families drawn to practical exploration, outdoor movement and active participation in children's learning. Its April 2023 attendance patterns included a breakfast club and an after-school club alongside preschool attendance. The balance is clear: engaging everyday experiences, alongside specific improvements needed in cultural learning and communication between settings.