The Beeches Pre-School

Books taken home each week, breathing games with scarves and spa days give The Beeches Pre-School a recognisable character. These were features of daily life in July 2024, when children had opportunities to enjoy stories, explore their feelings and practise doing things for themselves.

At its 16 July 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the setting Good overall, found safeguarding effective and described secure relationships between children and staff. The pre-school has 16 places in total for children aged two to four at 1 Beech Drive, Leigh, WN7 3LJ.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2024 examples included learning through water play, conversations and stories: ordinary activities became opportunities to explore words and ideas.

During that month, staff introduced the word pipette while children played with water. Younger children heard objects named with simple words; older children had time to consider questions before answering. The practical value was the connection between language and something children were actually doing.

Reading also extended beyond the playrooms in July 2024. Children took a book home each week, accompanied by suggestions for parents about discussing it together. Staff used character voices and actions during stories, while celebrations and cultural festivals introduced children to the wider world through conversation and books.

In July 2024, parents could remain in the playrooms when their child was upset, giving settling a shared, practical shape. Daily updates connected families with their child's care and learning.

Spa days and relaxation sessions were also part of the July 2024 experience. Children blew scarves to explore breathing and talked about other people's feelings. Everyday care included handwashing around meals and after using tissues, alongside reminders to put toys away safely.

The address is 1 Beech Drive, Leigh, WN7 3LJ. Term-time attendance is the operating pattern, with school holidays excluded and opening hours of 8am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

In July 2024, the daily session ran from 8am to 3.30pm, and funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. That funding provision describes the position at the time of the visit.

• Teaching consistency. At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted identified uneven teaching, limited professional development and activities that did not consistently extend children's existing skills, calling for better staff coaching and more purposeful planning. These are material qualifications to the Good judgement.
• Term-time calendar. The pre-school closes for school holidays. Families need an arrangement that fits those breaks as well as the afternoon closing time.
• Settling in practice. Parents spending time in the playrooms supported settling in July 2024. On a visit, ask how that approach works now for a child who needs a slower start.

For families seeking term-time care for a two- to four-year-old, The Beeches Pre-School merits consideration. Its July 2024 character comes through in books shared with home, language developed through play and parents involved in settling. The balance matters: a Good judgement sits alongside clear weaknesses in teaching consistency and staff development.