See-Saw Pre-School Playgroup

Dough, water jugs and group singing gave See-Saw Pre-School Playgroup's September 2024 day a practical, playful character. Children practised conversation, explored number language and performed songs for their friends. These were learning opportunities built into ordinary play.

At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the playgroup Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) received well-established support. See-Saw has capacity for 25 children at St. Josephs RC Primary School on Moreton Road, Wirral.

In September 2024, children attending were aged two to four. The early years foundation stage provided the framework for their learning, development and care: conversation, counting and social skills were practised through play and daily routines.

Dough play prompted exchanges with adults and introduced vocabulary for different actions. Water play brought mathematical ideas into something tangible, as children filled jugs and used words about size and quantity. Counting games helped them connect numbers with individual objects.

Group singing offered another kind of participation. Children remembered long songs, accompanied them with instruments and performed for one another. Meanwhile, helping clear sand with a brush and dustpan gave them a practical part in looking after their shared space.

In September 2024, staff responded to new children's individual needs with reassurance and helped them build relationships. Consistent reminders about sharing and taking turns made expectations understandable, especially for younger newcomers.

Quieter spaces within the room gave children an alternative to busier activity. For children with SEND, familiar objects, including drinks bottles and snacks, signalled changes in the routine. Staff also checked communication development, arranged targeted help and made referrals to outside agencies.

Additional funding supported individual time with a key person and purchases of sensory resources linked to children's interests. Parents contributed information when children started and received updates about development, including ways to continue learning at home. These arrangements connected home experiences with the playgroup's day.

The address is St. Josephs RC Primary School, Moreton Road, Wirral, CH49 6LL. Being based at school premises does not guarantee a Reception place.

In September 2024, attendance followed a term-time pattern, Monday to Friday, with sessions running from 8.45am to 3.30pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. Those arrangements describe the offer at that time.

• Individual learning. In September 2024, children's planned next steps were not consistently carried into play and adult interactions. This matters for families seeking activities that build deliberately on their child's existing skills.
• Staff development. In September 2024, feedback and individual improvement targets for staff were inconsistent. More precise guidance was needed to make teaching more consistent.
• Term-time attendance. The September 2024 pattern followed school terms. At a visit, ask whether today's sessions and funded arrangements fit your required days and hours.

See-Saw's September 2024 picture suits families drawn to a term-time preschool day, practical learning and close communication between home and staff. Its quieter spaces and use of familiar objects offered concrete ways to adapt the day to individual needs. The balancing point is consistency: children's next steps and staff development targets both needed sharper follow-through.