Park Hall Forest School

Woodwork, climbing and outdoor problem-solving shaped Park Hall Forest School's character in May 2022. In May 2022, children handled tools, explored the weight of stones and practised judging physical risks: practical experiences that brought movement, language and thinking together.

At its 31 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good overall and found safeguarding effective. The setting has capacity for 30 children; those attending at the inspection were aged two to seven. That age range describes the children attending then.

In May 2022, Park Hall Farm the Countryside Experience was the setting's base. Its forest school philosophy used outdoor learning to extend children's existing experiences or introduce them to learning outside. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the outdoor approach gave those foundations a practical setting.

Children tightened clamp screws and used sticks or pens for making marks. Weighing stones on scales brought mathematical ideas into play, while hammering nails into wood and pulling them out required concentration and control. These were purposeful tasks with tangible results.

During that May 2022 period, storytelling encouraged children to imagine endings and consider other people's views. Vocabulary work explored words with related meanings. Younger children practised joining group activities, while older children developed name recognition and respect for others. Learning extended beyond physical confidence.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that staff understood children's needs, adapted learning for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and worked with families and other professionals when progress raised concerns. Woodwork provided one concrete example: children with SEND practised listening before applying rules to the activity.

In May 2022, settling arrangements helped children build a relationship with their key person, then explore while returning for support. Families received updates about developing knowledge and skills. Staff also encouraged children to think about caring for their bodies, including eating enough to sustain activity.

Risk awareness was taught through experience in May 2022. Bicycle ramps gave children opportunities to consider safety while attempting a physical challenge. Conversations about different family structures and staff challenging gender stereotypes also supported respect for others.

The address is Park Hall Working Farm, Burma Road, Park Hall, Oswestry, SY11 4AS.

In May 2022, the setting operated throughout the year, Monday to Friday, with sessions running from 8am to 5pm. It received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. These attendance and funding details describe its operation at that time.

• Outdoor learning. The May 2022 approach included tools, climbing and bicycle ramps. At a visit, ask how the outdoor day and settling arrangements would work for your child now.
• Consistency of teaching. The May 2022 improvement recommendation concerned using monitoring more effectively to address small differences in practice and strengthen teaching. This is the qualification to the otherwise positive judgement.

The May 2022 account will appeal to families drawn to practical outdoor learning: woodwork and physical challenges gave children concrete reasons to concentrate, communicate and persevere. The May 2022 picture also gives weight to relationships: a key person supported exploration, and families were involved when children needed additional help. The Good judgement provides a positive dated assessment, balanced by the recommendation to make teaching more consistent.