Birley Community Pre-school

Bicycles shared with friends, chalk marks on blackboards and ice melting during an Arctic activity give Birley Community Pre-school its clearest character: practical learning with plenty for children to do. These examples come from December 2022, so they describe the pre-school at that time.

At its December 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found that children progressed well and received effective support for special educational needs and/or disabilities, and judged safeguarding effective. The setting has capacity for 50 children at St. Cyprians Church Hall in Sheffield.

In December 2022, activities followed children's interests and extended their existing skills. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care: here, the inspection-time examples included learning through play, conversation, physical activity and growing independence.

Play dough gave children something concrete to describe, while squeezing and rolling it exercised the hand movements used for writing. Chalk and blackboards offered another way to practise making marks. Exploring melting ice during learning about Arctic animals encouraged children to investigate change rather than simply hear an explanation.

Outdoor play included bicycles, with children taking turns in different positions. Visits from emergency services helped introduce the people who support their community. However, opportunities to explore people's cultures and backgrounds were inconsistent, limiting children's understanding of diversity.

In December 2022, staff knew children well and used encouragement to recognise effort and considerate behaviour. Predictable routines helped children listen, cooperate and share resources. Staff also modelled pronunciation and introduced vocabulary during play, making everyday interactions opportunities for conversation.

Support involved speech and language therapists and an inclusion support team. Parents received regular updates about the next steps planned for their children, alongside ideas for extending learning at home. That connected activities at the pre-school with what families could do together.

At that time, staff kept dietary and allergy information visible to colleagues, and activities introduced tooth care. Children collected and opened their lunch boxes and put on outdoor clothing themselves, although mealtimes offered too few further opportunities to practise independence.

The address is St. Cyprians Church Hall, Birchvale Road, Sheffield, S12 4XY. Its capacity of 50 is a whole-setting figure, rather than the size of an individual group.

In December 2022, opening hours were 9am to 3pm during term time. The pre-school then provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four; this is a dated account of its operation.

• Learning about different backgrounds. In December 2022, cultural learning was inconsistent. Look for activities that help children understand similarities and differences between people and communities.
• Independence at lunch. December 2022 observations identified missed opportunities at mealtimes. During a visit, look at how children take responsibility for manageable tasks themselves.
• Attendance arrangements. The December 2022 opening pattern was term-time, from 9am to 3pm. Which current attendance arrangements and funding terms would fit your family's week?

Birley's December 2022 picture suits families who value practical play, outdoor activity and close communication about children's learning. Its strongest examples are ordinary experiences used purposefully: sharing bicycles, describing textures and investigating melting ice. The balance is clear, too: cultural understanding and independence at mealtimes needed further attention. Families seeking a term-time rhythm can use that dated picture as a starting point when assessing the setting today.