Garden of Eden Preschool

Balance bikes on the playground and bug discoveries in the garden give Garden of Eden Preschool a practical, hands-on character in its May 2024 account of daily life. At its 20 May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective.

Based at Felpham Children & Family Centre in Bognor Regis, the preschool has 40 places in total and caters for children aged 24 to 60 months. It operates during term time, with opening hours of 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the May 2024 activities included stories, physical play and exploring nature. Staff selected activities around what children already understood and what they needed to learn next.

In May 2024, balance bike lessons involved following playground tracks and working around obstacles, giving children opportunities to practise movement and judge space. Garden discoveries extended earlier bug hunts in the local community. Magnifying glasses and identification sheets helped children examine what they found rather than simply spot it.

Story sessions introduced rhymes and new vocabulary. Adults also brought feelings into conversations about sharing and taking turns, connecting language with the practical business of playing together.

In May 2024, staff listened closely to children's ideas and helped them work through disagreements with friends. A song about toothbrushing prompted discussion about dental care, making health part of an activity children could join in.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children needing extra help received individual attention, but their support plans needed more precise, measurable steps. Warm relationships were therefore accompanied by a clear requirement to sharpen how support was planned.

Continuity also needed attention in May 2024: when a child's key person was absent, knowledge of that child's learning needs was not consistently shared. Staff supervision discussions had begun, but coaching and training actions still needed developing.

The address is Felpham Children & Family Centre, Pennyfields, Bognor Regis, PO22 6BN. The term-time calendar means the preschool closes for school holidays; its Monday-to-Friday opening window is 09:00 to 15:00.

In May 2024, the preschool provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise of an individual child's entitlement.

• Transitions between activities. In May 2024, lengthy waits left some children restless, although they settled back into activities quickly. During a visit, ask how the daily routine now keeps these changes moving.
• Key-person continuity. The May 2024 findings identified inconsistent sharing of children's learning needs during staff absences. Ask how another practitioner takes over when a child's key person is away.
• Targeted support and staff development. May 2024 support plans needed smaller, measurable steps, while supervision needed clearer coaching and training actions. Families seeking additional support should explore how these two strands now work together.

Garden of Eden Preschool suits families seeking term-time provision for preschool-aged children, whose May 2024 inspection described learning through play, conversation and practical exploration. Its May 2024 strengths were tangible: bikes, bugs and engaged relationships. The decision also deserves attention to the organisation behind those activities, especially transitions, continuity of care and precise support planning.