The Village Pre-School, Gorse Covert

In June 2022, children took charge of snack choices and helped younger friends count plates: everyday routines became opportunities to practise independence. At its June 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Outstanding, with children keen to learn and confident in taking responsibility.

Based at Gorse Covert Primary School in Birchwood, Warrington, the setting has 26 places in total. Children attending in June 2022 were aged two to four; the account of daily life below reflects that period.

In June 2022, learning extended well beyond adult-led activities. Older children supported younger ones during number activities and helped work out how many plates snack tables needed. Bingo gave children opportunities to lead a game themselves. These were practical uses for counting, with a purpose children could understand.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday application in June 2022 included language practice through role play: practitioners added vocabulary connected to children's interests, including words about medical and dental care.

Physical play had concrete challenges. In June 2022, climbing walls and a swing bridge gave children opportunities to attempt more demanding movements and choose challenges for themselves. A vegetable patch connected growing with tasting: children harvested radishes and onions, while staff introduced descriptive language about the produce. Food became something to investigate as well as eat.

At the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and rapid progress across children's starting points, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This is a dated judgement, rather than an assurance about today's practice.

In June 2022, chatter bags supported speech and communication both at home and in the setting, giving families a shared activity with practitioners. Staff knew children's individual learning needs and used targeted help when needed. A special educational needs coordinator discussed support with the inspector.

Children also practised safety themselves in June 2022, recalling how to protect their fingers when chopping fruit. Staff supervision included regular performance targets and allocated time for additional responsibilities. These arrangements gave practitioners space to carry out duties beyond direct activities with children.

The address is Gorse Covert Primary School, Gorse Covert Road, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6TS.

In June 2022, sessions ran Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 11.45am and 12.30pm to 3.30pm, during term time. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that point. Additional funding supported individual needs, including extra sessions and wraparound help for families.

Sharing a site with Gorse Covert Primary School does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Sessional rhythm. The June 2022 timetable split attendance into morning and afternoon windows during term time. How does the current booking pattern fit your family's week?
• Learning beyond the setting. Chatter bags linked home and pre-school communication work in June 2022. During a visit, ask how practitioners now involve families in supporting language development.

This pre-school merits consideration for families who value children taking responsibility, practical number work and physical challenges. Its June 2022 morning and afternoon timetable points towards families seeking sessional attendance. The strongest reasons to consider it are the detailed examples of children learning through ordinary routines, alongside its dated Outstanding judgement.