Milton Pre School CIC

Scooters, climbing apparatus and outdoor mark-making give Milton Pre School CIC a practical, active character. In November 2024, children tackled physical challenges outside and experimented with writing using water and brushes. These were opportunities to practise coordination and persistence alongside early writing.

Ofsted graded the setting Good on 6 November 2024. It has capacity for 33 children; the children attending at that visit were aged 1 to 11, a dated age range rather than a statement of today's intake.

In November 2024, the early years foundation stage framed children's learning, development and care: play supported language, physical skills and growing independence. Staff used children's interests to shape activities, including shopping role play after children talked about shopping. That gave their conversations a practical outlet through imaginative buying and selling.

Outdoor learning supplied concrete challenges. That November, staff steadied younger children learning to propel scooters, while other children practised climbing and sliding. Water and paintbrushes turned outside walls into surfaces for making marks; older children used markers and whiteboards to practise writing numbers.

The balance needed attention. In November 2024, some group tasks pitched learning beyond younger children's needs, and teaching was not consistently adjusted, leaving those children less engaged. Language received greater attention than reading: shared stories happened too infrequently, and parents needed more guidance on reading together at home.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and SEND support good, with professional collaboration, individual targets and plans shared with parents. Those mechanisms connected support at the setting with learning at home.

Everyday care that November included explaining nappy changes and seeking children's agreement, giving them a voice in personal routines. Staff helped children share and take turns, responded calmly to difficult behaviour, and encouraged them to manage coats, tidy toys and wash their hands independently.

Communication with families used several channels to share children's learning progress. In November 2024, staff also gathered children's preferences from parents to inform activities, while links with local schools supported preparation for the next stage.

The address is Milton Youth & Adult Centre, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 7AF.

In November 2024, the pre-school operated on weekdays during term time, with session times of 7.15am to 5.55pm. Separate provision included clubs before and after school, plus a holiday club in school holidays. These arrangements describe the offer at that visit.

Funded early education was provided for eligible children in November 2024. Eligibility remained a condition of that offer.

• Younger children's learning. Some group activities were too advanced in November 2024. Ask how staff now adapt shared activities for younger children.
• Reading routines. The November 2024 improvement priorities included more frequent stories and guidance for reading at home. Ask how these now feature in the day and in communication with families.
• Attendance arrangements. The November 2024 offer combined term-time pre-school with school-age clubs. Before choosing it, confirm which attendance arrangement fits your child's age and your working week.

Milton merits consideration for families who value active outdoor play and learning built around children's interests. Its November 2024 offer suited both families seeking term-time pre-school and those needing before- and after-school care. The strongest decision points are how younger children join group learning and how consistently stories now feature alongside language activities.