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Whitley Pre-School Playgroup

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2024)
·Spencer Road Methodist Church, Spencer Road, Wigan, WN1 2QR · Wigan
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2024
Local authority
Wigan

About this day nursery

Whitley Pre-School Playgroup Ltd., located on the outskirts of Wigan town centre, has been serving the community for over 44 years. Operating from the church hall of Whitley Methodist Church, the playgroup is open daily during term times from 8:50 AM to 2:50 PM.

It is registered to accommodate children aged between two and four years old, offering a nurturing environment that prioritises each child's individual development and education. The playgroup follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, providing tailored learning journeys for every child.

They are committed to providing a safe, stimulating, and friendly setting with a key person system to ensure personalised care and a high staff-to-child ratio. The playgroup upholds equality of opportunity, promotes anti-discriminatory practices, and actively encourages parental involvement in all aspects of its operations.

They also participate in the 'Let's Get Brushin' programme to promote good oral health.

Our ethos

The playgroup follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, providing tailored learning journeys for every child. They are committed to providing a safe, stimulating, and friendly setting with a key person system to ensure personalised care and a high staff-to-child ratio. They uphold equality of opportunity, promote anti-discriminatory practices, and actively encourage parental involvement.

What it's like

Children thrive in this vibrant and exciting environment where highly skilled staff plan a wealth of inspiring activities, stimulating their interest and curiosity. They enjoy exploring the mud kitchen, pouring and emptying containers, and sharing musical instruments. Children consistently demonstrate a positive attitude towards playing and learning, developing their talents and interests from thoughtfully planned activities.

Established for over 44 yearsIndividualised learning journeysHigh staff-to-child ratioPromotes good oral health

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged per morning, afternoon, or full day session, calculated at a flat hourly rate. Charges include snacks and drinks, while parents are required to provide their child's lunchbox, nappies, and wipes.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Daily snacks and drinks are included in the fees.
  • Parents must provide their own packed lunch.
  • Parents must provide nappies, wipes, and changes of clothes.

Key facts

Session types

morning session, afternoon session, all day

Opening hours

08:50 to 14:50 during term times

Age range

2 to 4 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2016

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Whitley Pre-School Playgroup

Last inspected 11 July 2024 · Emma Ashcroft

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children thrive in this vibrant and exciting environment where highly skilled staff plan a wealth of inspiring activities, stimulating their interest and curiosity. They enjoy exploring the mud kitchen, pouring and emptying containers, and sharing musical instruments. Children consistently demonstrate a positive attitude towards playing and learning, developing their talents and interests from thoughtfully planned activities.

Inspector highlights

  • The quality of education is exceptional, with a securely embedded curriculum that is superbly well planned and sequenced for all children.
  • Expert leadership and management ensure a high-quality education for all, with the manager supporting staff in their professional development.
  • Staff support children to become deeply engaged in their play, fostering exceptional concentration skills that are valuable for life and future learning.
  • Since COVID-19, the manager has prioritised communication and language development, promoting it to a consistently high standard.
  • The manager and staff have fantastic parent partnerships, valuing parents as their child's most important educator and involving them in all aspects of their children's learning.
Inspection #10350990 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents consistently praise the caring and dedicated staff team.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified rapidly and exceptionally well supported by staff working closely with other professionals, resulting in rapid progress. For example, children who were non-verbal when they started at the playgroup are now communicating confidently.

Outdoor space

Giggles echo from outside where children investigate in the mud kitchen. They pour and empty containers, then carefully refill them with spoons, playing together cooperatively. Older children are able to pedal bikes, run, jump and climb.

EAL / language support

Children who speak English as an additional language benefit from expert support from staff learning about their home language and traditions. This learning is promoted superbly through staff's close relationships with parents, with staff role modelling new vocabulary and encouraging interaction.

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

11 July 2024

Outstanding

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

Frequently asked about Whitley Pre-School Playgroup

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more