Moss Lane Pre-School

Summer albums, pretend wedding breakfasts and old-fashioned phones gave Moss Lane Pre-School a recognisable character in September 2024: children's own lives supplied the starting points for learning. Everyday experiences mattered here. Ofsted rated the setting Good at its 11 September 2024 inspection.

Based at Scout HQ on Moss Lane in Lostock Hall, the pre-school has capacity for 20 children. Children attending in September 2024 were aged two to four; the offer then was term-time provision.

In September 2024, children brought together holiday photographs and stories in summer albums, giving them something familiar to discuss. Staff extended those interests into play: a wedding became a pretend breakfast, camping inspired a campsite, and enthusiasm for diggers led to construction play. These were concrete ways to connect learning with experiences children understood.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday expression in September 2024 included conversation, practical tasks and imaginative play. Old-fashioned phones prompted exploration of the past, while shirts with buttons gave children practice with dressing and small hand movements useful for writing.

Plants and bees introduced nature and responsibility. Café outings connected learning with the surrounding community, and teddy-bear-themed days let children bring a familiar soft toy into activities about the past.

In September 2024, settling arrangements adapted to individual children, with close contact between home and staff helping practitioners understand experiences beyond the setting. Children recognised their names on storage spaces for their belongings, supporting independence. A weekly book bag let each child choose a story to share at home, accompanied by reading prompts for parents.

At the September 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children needing additional developmental support were identified promptly. Books with familiar situations helped children explore feelings during changes in their lives.

Emotional regulation needed further attention in September 2024, especially for the youngest children. Staff responded promptly to unwanted behaviour, but occasional difficulties disrupted activities; the improvement priority was stronger teaching to help children manage feelings and impulses.

The address is Scout HQ, Moss Lane, Lostock Hall, PR5 5BT.

In September 2024, the pre-school operated Monday to Friday during term time, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm. It also offered government-funded places for children aged two to four. Those arrangements describe the offer at that date.

• Support for big feelings. September 2024's improvement priority concerned emotional regulation, especially among younger children. Ask how staff now teach these skills and respond when difficulties interrupt play.
• Term-time attendance. The September 2024 pattern was weekday sessions from 9am to 3pm during term time. Does the current attendance pattern fit your family's working week and holiday needs?

Moss Lane's September 2024 account will appeal to families who value learning rooted in children's interests, practical independence and stories shared at home. Its term-time session pattern at that date also makes it relevant to families seeking care organised around the school year. The central consideration is how support for younger children's emotions has developed alongside those engaging activities.