Stepping Stones Community Organisation & Pre-school

Wooden blocks became pizza, complete with detailed discussion of toppings: the July 2024 picture of Stepping Stones captures a pre-school where imaginative play gave children plenty to talk about. Language ran through the day.

At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Outstanding and found that carefully pitched learning helped children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make rapid progress. Stepping Stones has 30 places in total; children attending in July 2024 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together through everyday experiences. In July 2024, staff extended children's conversations with searching questions and vocabulary that reappeared in their independent play. Activities held children's attention, while adults judged when to join in and when to let exploration continue.

Sand offered opportunities to dig and pour; magnetic materials prompted closer investigation. Indoors and outside, resources supported jumping and balance practice. These experiences connected language, discovery and physical development rather than keeping them apart.

July 2024 also brought a picture of learning beyond the setting: outings included a farm visit with parents, a soft-play centre and places of worship. Parents shared cultural traditions and national dishes, and children explored religious and cultural celebrations. Family involvement gave those discussions concrete examples.

In July 2024, children settled promptly and formed affectionate relationships with staff. Practitioners learned about children's interests and needs from their families, then shared learning and next steps with parents, giving them something useful to build on at home.

Support responded to individual needs: staff spotted learning gaps, reviewed the effect of help and adjusted it, involving other agencies where needed. At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective.

Clear routines helped children cooperate, share and handle disagreements with little adult help. They persevered through difficulties and practised managing emotions. Meals and snacks were nutritious, with healthy eating also part of learning.

Behind this daily work, July 2024 leadership practice included regular evaluation and research-informed changes. Individual coaching helped staff discuss wellbeing and learning needs, supporting consistency in their work with children.

The address is 75-77 Raymond Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4DP.

In July 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday, during term time. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. That timetable matters for families organising care around working hours and school holidays.

• Term-time timetable. The July 2024 arrangement ran Monday to Thursday, between 9am and 3pm. How would the current attendance and charge arrangements fit your family's week?
• Learning through conversation. July 2024 examples included elaborate pretend play and investigations of magnetic materials. On a visit, look at how adults extend children's ideas while leaving them room to experiment.
• Family participation. Parents joined a farm outing and contributed cultural traditions in July 2024. Consider how this involvement would fit your family and what you might enjoy contributing.

Stepping Stones suits families drawn to a community pre-school with substantial parent involvement and learning built around talk, exploration and growing independence. Its Outstanding July 2024 judgement carries weight because the detail beneath it is concrete: sustained play, responsive support and children learning to cooperate. The term-time timetable recorded then is an important practical consideration alongside those strengths.