East Preston Village Pre School

Ice cracked with hammers, musical instruments and outings to the beach give East Preston Village Pre School a recognisable character: learning rooted in things children can explore and discuss. In December 2022, these experiences connected play with questions about the natural world and the surrounding village.

At its December 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that its special educational needs coordinator worked effectively with families and professionals to support children's progress. The setting has 26 places in total and accepts ages 24 to 60 months.

In December 2022, children investigated frozen water, compared its texture and watched what happened as it warmed. Stories about winter linked that experiment to their own experiences, while discussions about slippery surfaces gave the activity a practical safety dimension. This was learning through exploration, with conversation extending what children noticed.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the December 2022 examples included shared reading, making music and imaginative play with money and tills: opportunities to practise language, explore sounds and develop ideas through play.

During that month, regular outings included the beach, village shops, a park and a library. These brought the surrounding community into children's learning. Staff also followed children's interests and adjusted activities according to what they could already do, rather than leaving an appealing game at the level of entertainment alone.

In December 2022, staff listened closely to children's news from home and spent time reading and playing alongside them. Children practised taking turns and resolving disagreements over resources, with adults helping them find words for their feelings. Those interactions made social learning part of ordinary play.

At that time, the manager also held the special educational needs coordinator role, monitoring development and involving parents and outside professionals. Families received updates about activities, but information about the next steps they could support at home needed strengthening. Staff also sometimes did everyday care tasks that children were capable of attempting themselves. Both points matter: warm relationships should sit alongside clear communication and opportunities to become more independent.

The address is The Cricket Pavillion, Sea Road, East Preston, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN16 1JP. Opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the pre-school closes for school holidays.

In December 2022, the setting received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. That dated participation is separate from a family's entitlement and the arrangements for their attendance.

• Learning at home. In December 2022, next-step information for parents needed strengthening. On a visit, ask how staff now explain what your child is working towards and how you can help at home.
• Doing things independently. Adults sometimes took over tasks children could manage in December 2022. Look for opportunities for children to attempt routine tasks themselves.
• Term-time hours. The 9am to 3pm opening window and school-holiday closures need to fit your family's working arrangements.

For families seeking term-time early education within a 9am to 3pm opening window, this pre-school merits consideration. Its December 2022 account combines hands-on investigation with community outings and attentive relationships. The practical decision rests on the timetable, alongside how clearly today's staff communicate next steps and encourage independence.