Padgate Wasps Pre-school

Bricks, wheelbarrows and conversations about how to build a roof give Padgate Wasps Pre-school a practical character. In May 2026, children used outdoor construction to solve problems together, adjusting a toy farm building so that its animals would fit inside.

At its 19 May 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard for achievement, inclusion, and behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, with Expected standard for curriculum and teaching, children's welfare and wellbeing, and leadership and governance. The preschool caters for children aged two to five and has 45 places in total.

The EYFS sets the framework for children's learning and care, bringing communication, physical development and learning through play into the day. In May 2026, conversations about cars travelling down an outdoor ramp introduced comparisons of speed and height. Children also counted bricks and planned what a bug hotel needed. These examples connect language and mathematics with something children can make or test.

Outdoor activity had a physical purpose too. In May 2026, children dug soil, moved stones and loaded bricks into a wheelbarrow; regular runs took place on the field. Visits to a nearby retirement village included singing with older people, giving children contact with another generation.

Two curriculum priorities remained: helping children understand their own identity and other people's cultures more fully, and developing younger children's understanding of online safety.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding standards met and effective support for children with SEND, including collaboration with Speech and Language services, symbols and social stories to make routines easier to understand. These are practical ways to make the day more accessible.

In May 2026, staff used visual prompts showing what would happen next when children needed help with transitions. Storybooks and soft toys supported conversations about feelings. Parents received information about care and learning, while cooking activities and recipe cards linked healthy eating with home.

Lunches were parent-provided in May 2026. Children unpacked them themselves and ate in small groups, practising everyday independence alongside conversation.

The address is Christchurch C of E Primary School, Station Road, Padgate, Warrington, WA2 0QJ. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the setting closes for school holidays. Families need to plan their holiday childcare separately.

The primary-school site gives the preschool a school setting, but attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Term-time calendar. School-holiday closures make this a practical fit for families whose childcare needs follow the school year.
• Curriculum priorities. In May 2026, cultural understanding and online safety for younger children needed further development. Ask how these areas now feature in children's activities.
• Planning attendance. For a setting open from 7.30am to 6pm, what session pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family's week?

Padgate Wasps suits families seeking term-time preschool care with practical play and opportunities to develop everyday independence. Its May 2026 inspection offers stronger support for achievement, inclusion and behaviour than for the curriculum as a whole. Outdoor construction and intergenerational singing give the account substance; the two curriculum priorities deserve attention alongside those strengths.