The Village Station Preschool

In July 2022, flower potions, melting ice and older children helping younger ones move building blocks gave The Village Station Preschool a recognisable character. In July 2022, practical exploration sat alongside an emphasis on conversation and growing independence. The preschool has 22 places in total and is based at Pagham Village Hall in Bognor Regis.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective, while identifying weaknesses in daily routines and the consistency of support for younger children. Children attending at that time were aged two to four.

In July 2022, outdoor play included toy-duck fishing, sand exploration and making potions from flowers. Indoors, children experimented with melting ice and paint. These were opportunities to investigate materials and make things.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, its practical expression in July 2022 included learning through play, conversation and everyday tasks. Songs and stories introduced vocabulary, while staff extended children's interest in plants into exploring flower parts. Mixing, squeezing and pouring brought physical practice into the same activity.

Persistence was visible in small tasks. During July 2022, children kept trying with scissors and with putting on socks; older children also helped younger ones handle large blocks. Independence had a practical purpose. However, staff sometimes completed tasks that younger children could have attempted themselves.

In July 2022, familiar adults helped younger children settle by directing them towards an activity they enjoyed. Children used sand timers to manage turns, giving them a concrete tool for handling shared play. Staff also used everyday moments to discuss safety, including online safety and why taking the register mattered during a fire alarm.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found effective communication with parents and productive working relationships with other childcare settings and external professionals, supporting continuity of care and learning. Staff development also emphasised children's communication.

The balance was less consistent for younger children. In July 2022, they sometimes needed more help during stories and routines than they received. That matters for families choosing a first preschool experience: settling comfortably and receiving appropriately challenging support are separate considerations.

The address is Pagham Village Hall, Pagham Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 4NJ.

In July 2022, opening hours were 9am to 2.30pm on Monday and Thursday, and 9am to 1pm on Tuesday and Friday, during school term time. These were daytime opening windows rather than an extended working-day offer.

During July 2022, the preschool received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Younger children's independence. In July 2022, support during stories and routines was uneven, and adults sometimes did manageable tasks for younger children. Ask how staff now balance help with opportunities to try independently.
• Time lost between activities. In July 2022, children waited while preparing to move indoors and while adults tidied. Ask how these transitions now keep children involved in play and learning.

This preschool suits families drawn to practical exploration, conversation and children's growing independence, with those strengths evident in July 2022. Flower activities and everyday self-care made learning tangible. The same dated picture also gives families a precise test: how well younger children are supported, and how smoothly routines protect their time to play.