Our Lady of Pity Pre-School CIC

Chickens, caterpillars and books to borrow give Our Lady of Pity Pre-School CIC a recognisable character: in May 2023, children explored living things and carried their interest in stories home. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Outstanding and found safeguarding effective.

The setting has 24 places in total and operates within Our Lady of Pity Primary School on Rigby Drive, Wirral. In May 2023, the children attending were aged two to four. The school connection also shaped their preparation for Reception.

In May 2023, learning involved close observation and practical challenges. Children followed the development of tadpoles and caterpillars, discussed what creatures needed to grow, and worked together on brick bridges. Staff used questions to help them reach their own solutions rather than supplying an answer immediately.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2023 examples included vocabulary developed through imaginative play, sign language and songs introducing new vocabulary, and a lending library that let families continue sharing books at home. Staff introduced more precise words for everyday experiences, including describing the weather.

Outdoor learning had practical purpose in May 2023. Children planted seedlings and cared for chickens, giving those who preferred being outside tasks that connected their interests with learning. Visits from the local fire brigade and mounted police extended an interest in occupations into encounters with people doing those jobs.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language, made excellent progress, with targeted support and additional funding used effectively.

In May 2023, key people spent time learning about each child and their family before planning activities. Children discussed feelings, negotiated small disagreements and understood how their behaviour affected others. Those examples give parents a concrete picture of the social skills being practised alongside language and physical development.

Preparation for school also had a practical form in May 2023: children met the Reception teacher and used spaces shared with the host school. Familiar people and surroundings formed part of the transition work.

The address is Our Lady Of Pity Rc Primary School, Rigby Drive, Wirral, CH49 1RE.

In May 2023, opening hours were 8.45am to 3.30pm on weekdays, during term time, with bank-holiday closures. The pre-school also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time.

Attendance at the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place at the host school.

• Term-time planning. The May 2023 operating pattern followed school terms. What attendance arrangements and holiday coverage would fit your family's week now?
• Outdoor interests. Caring for chickens and growing seedlings were part of learning in May 2023. These practical activities are relevant for families whose children enjoy investigating living things.
• Reception expectations. Meeting the teacher and using shared spaces supported transition in May 2023. That familiarity does not secure a school place.

Our Lady of Pity Pre-School CIC suits families drawn to practical outdoor learning, language development and preparation for school through familiar surroundings. Its Outstanding May 2023 judgement is substantial, but the daily examples give that judgement meaning: books taken home, animals cared for and problems tackled together. The term-time pattern documented then also makes it relevant to families planning childcare around school terms.