Woodlands Early Learning

In October 2024, earthworms, shared puzzles and visits to a care home gave Woodlands Early Learning a recognisable character: learning through small discoveries and contact with other people. This Fareham nursery has capacity for 64 children. At its 30 October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall; children attending then were aged 0 to 4.

The strongest practical thread in that October 2024 account was attention to individual children, from familiar songs for new babies to cooperative play for older children. Two weaknesses also matter: unnecessary waiting during routines and missed opportunities to extend learning.

In October 2024, the early years foundation stage framed children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and physical exploration formed part of their day. Babies had additional opportunities to practise pulling up to stand, helping them develop the strength needed for walking. Older children worked on puzzles together, practising cooperation, conversation and turn-taking.

Songs and stories supported speech, while a lending library gave families books to share at home. Staff also directed parents towards their local library. These were practical ways to carry reading beyond the nursery day.

Outdoor experiences brought learning into contact with living things. In October 2024, younger children investigated woodlice and earthworms, and children had extended opportunities for energetic outdoor play. Outings included nearby parks and woodland, alongside regular care-home visits that introduced children to people beyond their usual circle.

At the October 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding and good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including staff training, alternative communication methods and collaboration with other professionals. That combination supported continuity between children's care and learning.

In October 2024, staff took time to learn what interested and comforted children as they settled. Familiar singing helped soothe new babies. Children sought adults for comfort and companionship, giving a concrete picture of the relationships behind the care.

Support for emotions was practical too: adults intervened promptly when children struggled, helping them recognise feelings and try ways to manage them. Meals and snacks were nutritious in October 2024, alongside opportunities for active play.

The address is 176 Segensworth Road, Fareham, PO15 5EJ.

In October 2024, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm, across 51 weeks of the year. These are dated opening arrangements rather than a description of booking patterns. At that time, the preschool received funding for free early education.

• Waiting between activities. In October 2024, some routines left younger children distressed and older children disengaged. How are transitions organised now to keep children involved?
• Extending children's learning. In October 2024, adults sometimes missed chances to introduce ideas that built on children's existing skills. Ask how staff develop an activity when a child is ready for more.
• Planning attendance. Which booking pattern and settling arrangements would fit your child's age and your family's week?

Woodlands merits consideration for families who value practical exploration, shared reading and contact with the wider community. Its October 2024 examples make that character tangible, especially the lending library and care-home visits. The balance is clear: warm relationships and purposeful activities sat alongside routines and teaching that needed greater consistency. Those two issues deserve attention when choosing it.