Bordon Garrison Pre-school & Creche

Stories, imaginative play and growing independence give Bordon Garrison Pre-school & Creche its clearest character. In December 2021, children had a dedicated library, built pretend houses with blocks and practised everyday tasks such as serving lunch or putting on shoes. These are useful foundations for children learning to do more for themselves.

Ofsted rated the setting Good on 8 December 2021 and judged safeguarding effective. Based on Kildare Road in Bordon, it has capacity for 90 children; the children attending at the December 2021 visit were aged 0 to 4.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday routines into their education. In December 2021, stories ran through the day rather than being confined to a single group activity. Children joined in with picture books, while access to the setting library gave reading a physical home.

Imagination also had room to develop. During that December 2021 visit, children dressed as superheroes, acted out magical scenarios and constructed houses with blocks. Staff introduced vocabulary and encouraged children to remember earlier learning, connecting conversation with what they were doing.

Physical play included racing for older children and ride-on equipment for younger ones. Indoors and outside, children chose resources for themselves. The December 2021 learning picture also had a limitation: staff sometimes missed chances to take an interest further, so activities did not consistently provide the next challenge.

At its December 2021 inspection, Ofsted found that staff knew children well and supported those with SEND or additional funding effectively, seeking help from other professionals promptly. That finding gives useful substance to the care assessment: support involved outside intervention where needed, alongside consideration of how additional funding would help.

In December 2021, everyday independence included younger children managing their shoes and older children helping themselves to lunch. Staff helped children express emotions and understand differences between people as preparation for school. These routines connected practical confidence with learning to get along with others.

Health and safety were also part of that December 2021 picture. Snack-time conversations covered food choices and dental health, while staff assessed hazards and practised emergency evacuation with children. Staff received supervision and met regularly to discuss their work, but communication between home and nursery needed greater consistency, including opportunities for parents to contribute their children's experiences.

The address is Kildare Road, Bordon, GU35 0HL. In December 2021, opening hours were 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday; these describe the opening window at that time, rather than separate bookable sessions.

At that same date, the setting received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. Families should distinguish this dated funding position from the attendance arrangement they need now.

• Extending interests. In December 2021, staff did not consistently develop activities far enough. At a visit, ask how practitioners now build a further challenge around something a child enjoys.
• Home and nursery communication. December 2021 improvement priorities included more consistent exchange about learning and experiences. Ask how parents contribute observations from home and receive useful updates.
• Attendance fit. The December 2021 opening window covered weekdays. Ask which current booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would match your family's routine.

The December 2021 picture suits families who value books, imaginative play and practical independence, with a Good judgement supporting that assessment. The important questions concern how staff extend children's interests and connect learning between nursery and home. Both deserve attention when deciding whether this setting fits your child.