All Stars Pre School

In April 2022, train-watching trips and children helping to build obstacle courses gave All Stars Pre School a recognisable character. In April 2022, everyday independence mattered too: children poured drinks, helped themselves to snacks and cleared up spills. These were practical opportunities to take responsibility, rather than simply follow adult instructions.

Ofsted rated the setting Good on 28 April 2022. Based at Oakley Hall in High Wycombe, it has capacity for 32 children; those attending in April 2022 were aged two to four.

In April 2022, learning extended into the surrounding town. Trips included a park and a railway bridge, with children spotting shop-window letters, recognising numbers and comparing different buses. Familiar streets became material for early literacy and mathematics.

There was no outdoor space on site in April 2022, so staff used nearby outdoor areas regularly. Indoors, trampolines, climbing frames and obstacle courses supported physical activity. Children helped construct the courses, giving them a part in organising their play.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the April 2022 examples included exploring letters, making marks and learning to cooperate through play. Younger children used pictures to recognise their initial letter, while older children recognised the first letter of their name. Small-block construction and play dough supported coordination for early writing.

Group learning was less consistent. In April 2022, stories and ribbon dancing engaged children, but some lost interest during organised activities and changes between activities. Extending learning at those points was an improvement priority.

At its April 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children making good progress, with planning tailored to their needs and support funding used effectively. Familiar key people provided comfort, and children sought out adults they knew.

In April 2022, staff helped children talk through disagreements over sharing and consider each other's feelings. Premises and equipment checks formed part of daily safety routines. Staff supervision, discussion of assessments and training informed planning for what children would learn next.

Communication needed greater clarity. In April 2022, parents were sometimes unsure what their children were learning, making it harder to build on activities at home.

The address is Oakley Hall, 8 Castle Street, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 6RF.

In April 2022, opening hours were 9.30am to 12.30pm on weekdays during term time. Afternoon sessions were temporarily paused because of the pandemic. At that date, the setting received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that period rather than a current attendance offer.

• Outdoor arrangements. In April 2022, outdoor play depended on nearby spaces rather than an on-site area. On a visit, ask how outdoor access and the attendance pattern work now.
• Learning updates. Clearer parent information was an April 2022 improvement priority. Look for updates that help you understand and extend your child's learning.
• Group engagement. Sustaining attention during organised activities and transitions also needed work in April 2022. How staff keep children involved deserves attention.

All Stars will appeal to families drawn to practical independence and learning through community outings. The April 2022 picture combined familiar adult relationships with hands-on play. The decision points are equally concrete: outdoor arrangements, communication about learning and engagement during group activities.