Little Stones Bersted

Warm relationships and playful problem-solving give Little Stones Bersted its character. At its July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and identified the close relationships between children and staff as a strength.

The setting has 30 places in total at Community Building, Lakeland Avenue, Bognor Regis, PO21 5FF. In July 2025, it cared for children aged two to four in a community hall. That inspection-time picture is the basis for the experiences described here.

In July 2025, independence and communication shaped the curriculum. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, stories, imaginative play and practical exploration gave children opportunities to practise those skills.

Books prompted conversation about characters and possible endings. During an ice-transfer activity, staff helped children think through easier ways of moving the ice between containers. These were opportunities to contribute ideas and solve a problem together, rather than simply follow instructions.

Outdoor water and ice activities also brought lessons about drinking enough in hot weather and protecting themselves from the sun. Animal encounters let children handle insects and reptiles, while a visiting dental nurse introduced oral-health activities. These July 2025 examples connected learning with experiences children could explore directly.

At the July 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person approach worked effectively, with staff understanding children's interests and home lives, while assessment helped them identify children needing extra support. Familiar adults and knowledge of each child's circumstances gave relationships a clear purpose.

In July 2025, staff modelled courteous behaviour and helped children practise sharing and friendship. Families also joined local charitable events, and children learnt about respecting their community and their friends' cultures. Preparation for school included these social habits, alongside growing independence.

Community Building, Lakeland Avenue, Bognor Regis, PO21 5FF is the setting's address. In July 2025, opening hours were 9am to 3pm on weekdays during term time; these were opening hours rather than a description of bookable sessions.

Government-funded early education for children aged two to four was also part of the July 2025 provision. That dated offer matters when considering how the setting might fit a family's childcare arrangements.

• Planning for each child. In July 2025, learning was sometimes insufficiently planned around what individual children needed next. The practical issue is how consistently activities build on each child's existing skills.
• Speech development. In July 2025, staff did not consistently model the correct pronunciation when children's speech was unclear. Children therefore sometimes missed a useful spoken example.
• Attendance and funding. The July 2025 pattern combined term-time weekday opening with funded early education. How do today's attendance arrangements and funded places work for your child?

Little Stones Bersted merits consideration for parents who value close adult-child relationships, independence and learning through practical play. Its July 2025 picture is especially relevant to families seeking term-time preschool provision. The balance is clear: meaningful relationships and engaging experiences sit alongside specific improvements needed in individual learning plans and support for speech.