Little Panda's Pre-School

Story characters made from dough, numbers used in daily routines and children pouring their own drinks give Little Panda's Pre-School a recognisable character in January 2023. Everyday independence runs through that picture. At its January 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and reported good progress in children's learning.

Based at Broadoak Community Centre in Ashton Under Lyne, the pre-school has 48 places in total. Children attending in January 2023 were aged two to four; that age range describes the inspection cohort.

In January 2023, stories extended into practical play: children shaped dough into characters and used paint to represent a story animal. Familiar books prompted requests for another reading, while conversations about characters' feelings brought emotional understanding into the activity.

The early years foundation stage is the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the January 2023 examples show learning through play and routines: counting during shared activities, recognising calendar numbers and exploring materials. Shaking instruments and handling sand also exercised the hand muscles needed for writing.

There was a teaching limitation. In January 2023, planned activities sometimes continued despite children taking an interest in using materials differently, and some lost attention. More responsive teaching was an improvement priority.

In January 2023, children had close relationships with staff and played considerately together. They discussed keeping balancing practice outside to avoid hurting others indoors. That links care for other people with decisions children can understand.

Self-care was practical: children poured drinks, cleared bowls and managed tissues and handwashing. Parents received daily information about routines and activities, giving them a picture of their child's day.

Staff development also needed sharper attention in January 2023. Training and managerial support were in place, but feedback needed to address individual practitioners' development more precisely.

The address is Broadoak Community Centre, Broadoak Road, Ashton Under Lyne, OL6 8RS.

In January 2023, attendance ran Monday to Friday during school terms, with sessions between 8.30am and 3.30pm. At that time, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These are dated attendance and funding arrangements.

• Teaching responsiveness. January 2023 activities sometimes lost children's attention when their interests changed. On a visit, ask how practitioners now adjust an activity in response to children's ideas.
• Staff feedback. More individualised development feedback was a January 2023 improvement priority. Ask how coaching translates into everyday teaching.
• Attendance fit. The January 2023 arrangement was term-time weekday attendance. What session patterns and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?

Little Panda's suits parents who value practical independence and learning built around stories, play and everyday routines. Its January 2023 picture combines those strengths with clear teaching-development priorities. Families considering term-time attendance have a useful starting point, provided they distinguish that dated arrangement from their current booking needs.