Northern Pre-School

In January 2025, garlic presses and hand-operated pasta makers made play dough an exercise in coordination at Northern Pre-School. This Richmond Rise setting in Fareham has capacity for 52 children, with practical exploration giving its January 2025 account of daily life a recognisable character.

Ofsted rated the pre-school Good on 22 January 2025, finding that carefully planned learning supported children's progress. Children aged two to four attended at that time. Two improvement priorities matter for families: teaching children about internet safety and giving parents clearer guidance on their child's next learning steps.

In January 2025, children chose activities for themselves, while staff adjusted planned experiences to include their interests and existing skills. Persistence was part of the learning: children kept working at tasks that challenged them rather than immediately moving on.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, its areas of learning were brought into play through experiences such as squeezing dough and turning a pasta-maker handle, giving children practical ways to exercise small hand movements.

Language also received close attention in January 2025. Staff adapted how they spoke to suit children's development and personalities, repeated language clearly and introduced vocabulary during activities. Children had opportunities to contribute their own ideas. Those needing additional help with language received targeted support, rather than relying solely on group conversation.

At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described staff development as supporting progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

In January 2025, staff helped children recognise feelings and supported them through disagreements. Consistent boundaries gave children clear expectations, while conversations about healthy eating and dental care connected everyday choices with wellbeing. A special educational needs coordinator contributed to discussions about support for children with SEND.

Parents received updates about daily experiences and the week's activities in January 2025. The remaining weakness was precision: communication did not consistently explain each child's next learning steps or how families could support these at home. An activity update and guidance on what to practise serve different purposes.

The address is Richmond Rise, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 8DG.

In January 2025, opening hours were 8am to 3.30pm on weekdays, with attendance confined to school terms. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. For families planning around employment, the term-time calendar is as significant as the daily closing time.

• Internet safety. In January 2025, planned learning did not address staying safe online when using devices at home. This was a curriculum improvement priority relevant to children who use those devices.
• Learning guidance for home. January 2025 communication covered activities more consistently than individual next steps. Families wanting to reinforce learning at home should weigh that distinction.
• Term-time planning. The January 2025 timetable ended at 3.30pm and excluded school holidays. At a visit, ask which current attendance arrangements and funded-hour patterns would fit your family's week.

Northern Pre-School merits consideration for families drawn to practical play and deliberate language support. Its January 2025 term-time timetable suited care organised around school terms; the Good judgement provides a dated assessment of quality, alongside clear priorities for internet safety teaching and communication about learning at home.