Little Stars Pre School

Toy farm animals became a lesson in counting, size and patterns at Little Stars Pre School in May 2022. That small example captures the preschool's inspection-era character: learning developed through play and conversation, with adults joining children's activities.

At its 4 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged the quality of education good and found safeguarding effective. Based at Heath End Village Hall in Baughurst, the preschool has 26 places in total; those attending in May 2022 were aged two to four.

In May 2022, children sustained their attention during play, while staff used questions to explore what they remembered and understood. Toy animals offered opportunities to combine conversation with early mathematics. Learning was woven into an activity children already enjoyed.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2022 examples show how play could bring those elements together: adults introduced vocabulary during play dough activities and used children's interests to guide their next learning steps.

Outdoor activity was part of each day in May 2022. Measuring jugs, cups and buckets gave children opportunities to pour water, while climbing equipment supported movement and coordination. Ball games also helped children practise taking turns and learn one another's names.

In May 2022, children approached adults for help and had close relationships with staff. Practitioners gathered information from families before children started and tracked their development, identifying children who needed additional language activities.

Communication included feedback at collection and information accessible online in May 2022. Staff also exchanged information with other settings children attended, helping connect their care across different settings.

The May 2022 safeguarding arrangements included checks of the garden before use, close supervision and staff knowledge of how to raise concerns. There were also clear improvement priorities: gathering fuller information about children's cultures and home languages, and using everyday routines more purposefully to develop independence.

The address is Heath End Village Hall, Heath End Road, Baughurst, Tadley, RG26 5LU.

In May 2022, attendance was term-time only, Monday to Friday, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time. These arrangements describe the preschool at that visit.

In May 2022, parents supplied snacks and lunches, with staff encouraging healthy choices and involving families in learning about dental health and eating well.

• Family background. The May 2022 improvement priority concerned fuller understanding of children's cultures and home languages. At a visit, ask how those details now shape activities and individual support.
• Everyday independence. In May 2022, routine moments were not consistently used to extend children's skills. Look for how children now take responsibility during ordinary parts of the session.
• Attendance fit. The May 2022 arrangement was a term-time session from 9am to 3pm. How does the current booking pattern fit your family's week?

Little Stars merits consideration by families drawn to play-led early learning and a village-hall setting. Its May 2022 strengths were concrete: adult conversation during play, daily outdoor activity and communication between staff and families. The attendance model at that time suited families seeking term-time daytime sessions. The two improvement priorities give a useful basis for assessing present practice at a visit.