Leek Westwood Preschool

Vegetable growing, caterpillar care and an outdoor classroom gave Leek Westwood Preschool a practical, nature-led strand to its day in June 2023. This is a preschool on Westwood Road in Leek, with 40 places in total.

At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, found that children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress, and judged safeguarding effective. The children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest detail is the connection between hands-on play, conversation and relationships, alongside two clear areas for improvement.

In June 2023, learning followed children's interests and their next steps within the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Planting and harvesting vegetables gave children practical responsibilities; caring for caterpillars introduced insect life cycles and new vocabulary.

Imaginative play had substance too. During that June, a beach-themed role-play area prompted pretend swimming, while scooping flour into containers exercised small hand movements. Staff extended conversations through questions that allowed children time to think and answer.

Daily outdoor play in June 2023 included running and balancing on tyres. An outdoor classroom also gave children who preferred being outside another place to learn. Older, more physically capable children needed greater challenge, however. Group singing used toys from a song bag to encourage participation, but younger children's engagement with stories needed more attention.

In June 2023, children built trusting relationships with their key person and other staff, who responded to upset with affection and reassurance. Parents received updates about their children's care and progress, making the relationship with home part of the everyday provision.

Support for children with additional needs in June 2023 involved collaboration with other professionals. Community outings included a residential care home, where children joined activities marking Harvest and Christmas. These celebrations connected their experiences with people beyond the preschool. A visiting crossing patrol person also helped children learn about road safety.

The address is Westwood Road, Leek, ST13 8DL. In June 2023, preschool sessions ran from 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday during school terms. An out-of-school club operated from 7.30am to 9am and from 3.30pm to 6pm, also during term time; these were separate from the preschool session.

Funded early education for children aged two, three and four formed part of the June 2023 provision. Links with teaching staff at the adjoining primary school supported transition at that time. Attending preschool does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Younger children's story times. In June 2023, staff needed to improve how they engaged younger children with group stories. On a visit, ask how story sessions now sustain their interest.
• Outdoor challenge. The June 2023 outdoor provision needed more demanding physical opportunities for older, more capable children. Ask what equipment and activities now stretch them.
• Term-time routines. The June 2023 attendance pattern combined preschool sessions with an out-of-school club. Before planning around it, confirm the current session choices and funded-hours arrangements.

Leek Westwood Preschool merits consideration for families drawn to practical learning and community contact. Its June 2023 provision suited families seeking term-time places for preschool Sessions and those using the separate out-of-school club before or after school. The Good judgement provides a dated quality benchmark; younger children's story engagement and outdoor physical challenge are the most useful points to explore.