Holmhirst Pre-School

Numbered bowling channels, vegetable growing and stories told with miniature figures give Holmhirst Pre-School a recognisable character: practical play with plenty to talk about. These were features of daily life in December 2023.

At its December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Outstanding and judged safeguarding effective. Based at Woodseats Methodist Church Hall in Sheffield, it has 20 places in total; children attending at that visit were aged two to four.

In December 2023, learning combined conversation, movement and independent choices. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, play linked counting, language and physical skills rather than treating them as separate exercises.

Bowling made number order tangible. Staff changed the numbers on the channels and extended the challenge, encouraging children to work out what came before and after. Sand play prompted questions and shared ideas about making flags. Both examples gave children something concrete to discuss.

Physical education included balancing together on large shapes, negotiating obstacles and a pirate activity involving a plank. Children also practised changing their clothes for physical play. The activity and the preparation both gave them opportunities to do things for themselves.

Outings brought housing and construction into children's conversations, with diggers and cement mixers providing real examples. Road-crossing safety formed part of these experiences. Growing herbs and vegetables connected changes over time with the food children recognised.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that picture cards, signing and visual cues helped children with SEND and children who were non-verbal understand activities and communicate their needs, supporting excellent developmental progress.

During that month, storytelling used props, miniature figures and visual storyboards. Children could follow the story through objects and pictures as well as spoken words. Daily boards introduced discussion about dates, weather and special occasions, while show-and-tell gave children opportunities to speak about home experiences.

Independence extended to personal care: children poured drinks, washed their hands before eating and brushed their teeth after lunch. Staff offered spoken guidance as children tackled coat fastenings. Home learning activities were shared through an app each half term, and sessions involved fathers in children's learning.

The address is Woodseats Methodist Church Hall, Holmhirst Road, Sheffield, S8 0GU.

In December 2023, attendance ran during term time, Monday to Friday, with sessions from 8.30am to 3pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. This was a weekday, term-time arrangement, so its calendar mattered as much as its daily finish time.

• Term-time planning. The December 2023 pattern ended at 3pm and followed term time. At a visit, how do today's sessions and funded arrangements fit your family's working week?
• Growing independence. In December 2023, dressing for physical activity, pouring drinks and managing coats were part of children's day. Families who value practice in everyday self-care have concrete examples to weigh alongside the play activities.

Holmhirst's December 2023 inspection presents a pre-school suited to families who value practical learning, conversation and increasing independence. Number games, construction outings and visual storytelling give substance to that judgement. Its inspection-era term-time attendance pattern would suit families seeking a weekday pre-school day ending in mid-afternoon.