Sunny Days Pre-School

Woodland play and practical independence give Sunny Days Pre-School its character: children use full-sized tools outdoors, while painting, dressing up and water play shape the indoor offer. The setting has capacity for 23 children and is based at The Pavilion on Derehams Lane in High Wycombe.

At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, with children showing confidence, developing friendships and becoming increasingly independent. The children attending then were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection rather than a current admissions promise.

Attendance follows the school terms, with longer sessions from Monday to Thursday and a shorter Friday session. That makes the weekly pattern an important part of the choice, alongside the emphasis on outdoor experiences and learning through play.

Learning and Activities

The Early Years Foundation Stage provides the framework for learning and care, with play giving children opportunities to develop language, physical skills and relationships. Sunny Days combines singing and music with craft, painting, dressing up and water play. These give children different ways to express ideas rather than relying on one kind of activity.

In May 2023, staff built conversations into children's play, introducing vocabulary and explaining unfamiliar ideas. Children then used those words themselves. Staff also followed children's interests, using questions to help them think through what they were doing. For parents, the useful detail is the connection between an enjoyable activity and the language it develops.

The balance needed adjustment in May 2023. Some younger children became disengaged during activities directed by adults, and staff did not consistently adapt those activities to their understanding. Opportunities to explore taste, smell and touch also needed broadening, including through everyday objects. These were specific improvement points, rather than a criticism of play as a whole.

Outdoor and Community Life

A secure garden and woodland areas extend the space for play. Children spend time outdoors across the year, including in different weather, and use full-sized tools. Outdoor clothing therefore matters: the practical guidance includes wellies and summer hats, making this an offer for children who enjoy getting involved outside.

In May 2023, children experimented with sand and water, selected tools and considered how to move safely around the slide. Those examples show how outdoor play can bring physical challenge and decision-making together.

Parent Helpers gives families a way to contribute a hobby, skill or cultural tradition to the children's experiences. Support also comes through regular advisory visits from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, with an early years co-ordinator available for curriculum advice. The former brings family experience into the group; the latter gives staff an external source of practical guidance.

Relationships and Communication

Settling guidance encourages parents to remain with their child until they are ready to be left. It recognises separation as a substantial step, rather than treating the first session as a fixed test of independence.

Achievement and progress records can include contributions from parents. They are confidential, shared with the relevant staff and early years bodies, and handed to families when a child leaves. This gives parents a continuing role in recording development, rather than making communication a one-way update from staff.

In May 2023, everyday independence included putting on shoes and preparing sandwiches at snack time. Older children helped younger children join play and take turns. These are concrete forms of preparation for school: managing small tasks and participating in a group, rather than an implied advantage in admissions.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

The staff structure includes a SENCO and a deputy SENCO, alongside safeguarding responsibilities. These are useful roles for families seeking a clear point of contact about additional needs. At least one staff member trained in first aid attends each session, and parents sign and date individual records of accidents or incidents.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff recognising potential concerns, understanding reporting procedures and considering hazards during children's activities. That is a dated judgement. The current staffing arrangements describe responsibilities and first aid cover; they do not substitute for that judgement.

Sessions and Attendance

Sunny Days operates during term time. Sessions run from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8.30am to 12.30pm on Friday. Afternoon sessions run from noon to 3pm, Monday to Thursday; a breakfast club starts at 8.30am on those days. The afternoon option matters for families seeking a shorter attendance pattern, while Friday requires an earlier collection than the other weekdays.

At least one month's notice is required when a child leaves. Fees remain payable for absence caused by illness or holidays taken during term time, so families should factor attendance commitments into their budget rather than treating payment as dependent on each day's attendance.

Getting There

The address is The Pavilion, Derehams Lane, High Wycombe, HP10 9RR. Families can contact the setting by email or telephone, or use its contact form.

Funding and Paid Extras

Term-time funding includes up to 15 hours a week over up to 38 weeks for three- and four-year-olds, with a corresponding entitlement for eligible two-year-olds. Eligible working families may qualify for up to 30 hours a week over 38 weeks; this requires an eligibility code and reconfirmation every three months.

Parents complete a funding contract with Sunny Days. Funded hours may be shared with one other provider where both use the same term-time arrangement. This is useful for a family combining settings, but the funding pattern needs to match.

Private fees apply to children under three who do not qualify for the relevant funding, to hours beyond the funded entitlement, and where a child's full 15 funded hours are used elsewhere. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation. The funding and fees information also sets out monthly advance invoicing and payment by bank transfer, cash or Tax-Free Childcare accounts.

• Younger children's group activities. In May 2023, adult-directed activities did not consistently sustain younger children's attention. On a visit, ask how activities now adapt to different levels of understanding and how everyday materials extend sensory exploration.
• Friday collection and school holidays. Friday sessions finish at 12.30pm and attendance is term-time. Families need a care arrangement that accommodates both the shorter day and holiday periods.
• Outdoor kit. Woodland play uses full-sized tools, and guidance includes wellies and summer hats. Ask how tool use is supervised and what clothing your child should bring.
• The complete cost of attendance. Private hours attract fees, and illness or term-time holiday absence does not remove the payment obligation. Request a written quotation that distinguishes hours, food and non-food consumables, including the terms for funded attendance.

Sunny Days suits families seeking term-time preschool experiences with a practical outdoor emphasis, whether through the longer Monday-to-Thursday sessions or shorter afternoon attendance. Its garden, woodland play and opportunities for parental contributions give the offer a clear identity.

The May 2023 picture combines growing independence and lively conversation with specific weaknesses in sensory resources and younger children's engagement during adult-directed activities. Those points deserve attention alongside the useful attendance options. Friday's shorter day and the term-time calendar are central to whether the arrangement fits family life.