Stepping Stones Pre-School

Dinosaur worlds, pretend drinks and an investigation into exploding volcanoes give Stepping Stones Pre-School a recognisable character in its January 2022 account: play connected with language, counting and children's interests. At its January 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, highlighting an ambitious curriculum while identifying improvements to activity introductions and the exploration of children's cultural backgrounds.

The setting's address is Lynsted Little Hall at Lynsted CP School, on Lynsted Lane, ME9 0RL. Children attending in January 2022 were aged two to four; that is a dated age range, rather than a statement about today's intake.

In January 2022, the pre-school occupied two rooms within a modular building on the grounds of Lynsted and Norton School. Its early years foundation stage framework connects children's learning, development and care: play provides opportunities to practise communication, physical skills and understanding of the world.

Activities linked several ideas together. Making imaginary drinks brought counting together with quantities and household safety. An interest in ice prompted exploration of volcanoes, giving children's curiosity a starting point for new learning.

Movement had several forms: dough-based exercise, energetic movement activities and scarf dancing. These gave children opportunities to exercise muscles through play. Independence also received practical attention, with children encouraged to manage coats, toileting and lunch packaging themselves.

At the January 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities through manageable targets, encouragement and funding that helped them participate in activities.

In January 2022, communication support included signing, photographs, picture prompts and cards showing what would happen next. These offered children ways to understand routines alongside spoken language. Staff used conversation, distraction and negotiation to help children handle disagreements and practise taking turns.

Children could use a safe space when they needed support with their emotions. Staff training addressed emotional wellbeing, while relationships with parents included support during settling and contact with families. These are useful details of care at that time, rather than assurances about current practice.

In January 2022, opening hours were 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The pre-school received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. Those arrangements belong to that period.

The school-ground location was also part of the January 2022 description. Attending a nursery on school premises does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Activity introductions. In January 2022, some activities began before children were fully engaged, interrupting learning. The practical issue is how staff prepare children to join an activity.
• Children's heritage. January 2022 improvement work included planning more deliberately around the cultural backgrounds of children attending. This matters for children seeing their own family experiences represented.
• Term-time fit. The January 2022 opening pattern followed school terms. What attendance and holiday arrangements now apply to your child's proposed booking?

Stepping Stones offers a useful January 2022 picture of interest-led play, practical independence and communication support. It suits families looking for those features and a school-ground setting, subject to how current practice compares with that dated picture. For parents considering term-time attendance, the dated operating pattern provides a starting point, with the two curriculum improvement areas remaining important decision points.