Happy Hands Pre-School and Childcare

A garden shed became a shared problem-solving project at Happy Hands: in May 2022, children worked together to paint the garden shed with water, working out how to cover the higher sections. That small example captures the emphasis on practical play observed in May 2022.

At its 18 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated Happy Hands Outstanding, judged safeguarding effective and found that staff supported children with SEND highly effectively. Happy Hands has 25 places in total; children attending in May 2022 were aged 2 to 11.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together through play and everyday experiences.

In May 2022, stories became activities children could help shape. Chocolate powder and ice supplied materials for recreating parts of a story, while actions and chanting helped children join in. Books were chosen around children's interests and used to introduce new ideas.

Counting also ran through play. During May 2022, children sang counting songs, explored numbers in interactive books and made repeating patterns with construction materials and peg boards. Homemade glitter dough gave them practice shaping and manipulating materials. These examples show how language, mathematics and hand control could share the same playful day.

In May 2022, Ofsted found that staff recognised developmental gaps early, planned precise steps for children with SEND and collaborated with education and medical professionals, while children made excellent progress in language and mathematics.

During May 2022, children explored feelings through colours and musical sounds, connecting these with feeling calmer or more excited. Toothbrushing after the main meal made oral care part of the routine. Regular encounters with clergy, dentists and musicians introduced people and ideas beyond children's immediate community.

Work with other early-years providers on transition programmes, alongside training for parents, formed part of the May 2022 approach to continuity. Staff also kept their safeguarding knowledge current through training and discussion.

Happy Hands is on McIntyre Road, Stocksbridge, Sheffield, S36 1DG.

In May 2022, it operated on weekdays during term time, with hours running from 7.45am to 6pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are dated arrangements, rather than a statement of today's booking offer.

• Term-time planning. The May 2022 routine followed school terms. At a visit, what are the current attendance options, accepted ages and funded-hours arrangements?
• Learning through shared projects. Water-painting the shed and recreating stories were concrete May 2022 examples. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how staff build activities around your child's interests now.

The May 2022 observations make Happy Hands worth considering for parents who value practical, story-led learning and close attention to children's development. In May 2022, children tackled shared tasks, joined in stories and received support planned around their individual developmental needs. Families whose childcare needs follow school terms will find the dated operating pattern especially relevant to their decision.