Elm Road Pre-School

Dough, bicycles and block-built garages give Elm Road Pre-School's April 2023 account its character: practical play with opportunities to talk, cooperate and develop physical skills. This Gatley setting has 24 places in total. At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective.

Children attending in April 2023 were aged two to four. The picture is of preschool learning through everyday experiences, with adults helping children handle disagreements and extend their conversations.

In April 2023, children used dough and sand to strengthen the hand muscles needed for writing. A secure outdoor area offered bicycles and ride-on toys for balance and coordination. Building garages together with blocks gave children a reason to negotiate, share materials and keep trying when construction became difficult.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the April 2023 examples included physical play, conversation and exploration. Children made painted fingerprints and examined their patterns through a magnifying glass, connecting an idea about individuality with something they could investigate themselves.

Community learning also had a practical purpose. In April 2023, children had visited a local dentist to learn about caring for their teeth, while discussions covered emergency services and different cultures. At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted asked staff to adapt planned experiences to different learning styles because some children quickly lost interest and moved away.

In April 2023, children had close relationships with their key person. Staff helped them take turns and understand how their actions affected others, staying nearby when shared play became difficult. Conversations encouraged children to recall experiences and think through ideas, including transport they might use on holiday.

Parents received spoken feedback after sessions in April 2023, and staff coordinated strategies between home and preschool, including approaches to behaviour and language. Work with parents and other professionals addressed individual needs. New staff induction included safeguarding and paediatric first aid; supervision meetings covered staff wellbeing, alongside continuing suitability checks and routine environmental safety checks.

Snack time in April 2023 brought children and adults together around fruit and yoghurt. Sitting and talking together made this another opportunity for conversation.

The address is Elm Road, Gatley, Stockport, SK8 4LY.

In April 2023, attendance ran during term time, Monday to Friday, with sessions from 9am to midday and a lunch club extending attendance until 12.45pm. Funded early years education was offered for three- and four-year-old children at that time. These are dated arrangements rather than a current attendance offer.

• Engagement in planned activities. The April 2023 improvement point concerned children whose interest faded quickly. On a visit, ask how staff adapt an activity when a child learns differently or chooses to move away.
• The morning pattern. April 2023 arrangements paired morning sessions with a lunch club. Ask whether that pattern still operates and how it would fit your family's week.

Elm Road's April 2023 picture suits families drawn to practical preschool play, conversation and community experiences. Its attendance arrangements then offered morning sessions and a lunch club, serving families wanting a morning alone or attendance extended through lunch. The Good judgement provides a dated quality reference, balanced by a clear development point: making planned activities engaging for children with different learning styles.