Calllands Pre-School & Link Club

Emotional development and clear behaviour boundaries give Calllands Pre-School & Link Club its strongest character. At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good overall, rated behaviour and attitudes Outstanding and found safeguarding effective. The practical detail behind those judgements matters: familiar adults, predictable routines and help for children to manage feelings and relationships.

Based at Callands Centre in Warrington, the setting has capacity for 28 children. In June 2024, the children attending were aged two to four; the pre-school operated during term time, alongside a link club with longer opening windows.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2024 curriculum combined planned learning steps with conversations, songs and exploration of children's backgrounds. Staff identified what each child could already do and chose what to teach next, giving activities a purpose beyond keeping children occupied.

Books about flags and countries helped children explore the wider world. Makaton sign language was used for a greeting during registration, adding signs to spoken communication. These were concrete examples from June 2024, rather than a promise of a particular daily timetable.

Teaching had two important weaknesses at that date. Staff sometimes missed opportunities to follow children's questions, including curiosity about caring for teeth during a lunchtime discussion. Communication strategies also needed more consistent use across children. Those points matter because a planned activity can become more valuable when an adult develops the child's own idea.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children formed close relationships with their key person and other staff, and that personalised support, sensory rooms and guidance from the special educational needs coordinator helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make progress.

Settling in involved parents in June 2024. During songs, children who were uncomfortable sitting with the group could participate from a distance they tolerated. This made joining in gradual rather than an all-or-nothing expectation.

Consistent behaviour boundaries and adult examples helped children practise resolving disagreements and managing emotions. Several communication methods kept parents informed about learning, while staff training was shaped around children's and practitioners' needs.

The address is Callands Centre, Callands Road, Callands, Warrington, WA5 9RJ.

In June 2024, pre-school opening hours were 9am to 3pm on weekdays during term time. The link club opened on weekdays from 7.30am to 8.45am and from 3.15pm to 6pm in term time, with opening hours of 8.30am to 5.30pm during selected holidays. These are dated opening hours, rather than booking patterns.

At that date, the setting provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Following children's curiosity. In June 2024, adults sometimes left children's questions unexplored. Look for how a conversation now develops beyond the initial activity.
• Communication across the group. The June 2024 improvement priorities included extending every child's language. Consistent use of communication strategies matters alongside individual planning.
• Planning attendance. The June 2024 arrangements combined term-time pre-school with link-club hours and selected holiday opening. What attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangements would fit your child now?

Calllands merits consideration for families who value relationships, emotional development and clear expectations for behaviour. Its June 2024 strengths were tangible, from flexible participation in songs to sensory rooms. The balance is equally clear: teaching needed to respond more fully to children's curiosity and extend communication consistently. It suits parents who place those social foundations high on their priorities and want to examine how those teaching points have developed.