Holybourne Village Pre-school

Learning to wipe a nose independently is a small achievement with a useful purpose here. In September 2024, visual prompts at the sniffle station helped children work through nose wiping, disposal and handwashing themselves. Everyday independence gave the curriculum a concrete shape.

Ofsted rated Holybourne Village Pre-school Good at its September 2024 inspection. Based at the Village Hall in Holybourne, it has capacity for 26 children; the children attending at that inspection were aged two to four.

In September 2024, learning followed children's interests, with activities and individual next steps planned around what they could already do. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, practical examples included conversation, movement, early writing and self-care.

Threading and play dough gave children practice using their fingers, alongside opportunities to make marks. A daily movement session encouraged them to try different movements and notice how exercise affected their bodies. Outdoors, children had space to move freely.

Mathematics also extended across the provision following staff training. Conversations encouraged children to explain their thinking and learn new words, although help with correct pronunciation was inconsistent. That distinction matters: opportunities to talk were plentiful, but the response to unclear speech needed greater consistency.

At the September 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received effective support, including timely referrals to relevant agencies and good progress alongside other children.

In September 2024, staff used praise to recognise achievement and encouraged children to keep trying after mistakes. Clear expectations helped children understand how to treat one another. Independence extended beyond the sniffle station to managing coats, shoes and toileting.

Parents contributed information about learning at home, while staff shared assessments and ideas for supporting development beyond the setting. Information about children's immediate needs was also passed between adults, helping care remain consistent during their time there.

The address is Village Hall, Church Lane, Holybourne, Alton, Hampshire GU34 4HD.

In September 2024, opening hours were 8.30am to 3pm from Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Friday, during term time. At that date, the pre-school received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Speech development. More consistent help with pronunciation was the September 2024 improvement priority. Ask how practitioners now respond when a child has difficulty saying a word.
• Term-time rhythm. The September 2024 timetable included an earlier Friday finish. Families needing care across the working week should weigh that pattern against their commitments.

Holybourne's strongest appeal is the practical independence visible in its September 2024 daily life, supported by movement, conversation and cooperation with parents. It suits families drawn to that emphasis and, on its September 2024 timetable, those seeking term-time care with a shorter Friday. Pronunciation support deserves attention when considering the fit for a child's communication needs.