Ancells Farm Community Pre-school

Communication gives Ancells Farm Community Pre-school its clearest character: Makaton signs, objects drawn from a bucket and conversations about home life all featured in its October 2024 provision. This Fleet setting has capacity for 24 children, with a current age range of 24 to 60 months.

At its 2 October 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and identified support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) as a strength. The main improvement concerned adults supplying answers too quickly, leaving children less opportunity to work through challenges themselves.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, its October 2024 delivery included learning through play, language activities and exploration. Children compared sticks of different lengths and investigated conkers, linking practical discovery with conversation.

Bucket time made language tangible. In October 2024, staff revealed objects and introduced words describing their qualities, giving children something concrete to connect with new vocabulary. Rhymes, songs and stories added other opportunities to listen and speak. Makaton signs accompanied spoken language and gestures, helping children understand instructions and express choices.

Outdoor play happened daily that October. Children climbed, used a slide and played in cars; water flowed down a wall into a tray as they experimented with jugs and containers of different sizes. These were opportunities to practise movement and explore how water behaves, with adults adding words for what children were doing.

Eid featured in learning about faith celebrations during the year, and families contributed their cultures. That gave discussions about differences between people a connection to children's own lives.

In October 2024, newcomers received individual attention and time to become comfortable. Children sought staff out to share games, while adults listened to accounts of home life and asked questions. Settling and everyday conversation were closely connected.

Support for SEND involved observations, assessments, collaboration with parents and contact with other professionals. Parents also contributed to assessments of children's development. These mechanisms gave families a part in understanding their child's needs rather than receiving information only after decisions had been made.

At snack time that October, staff offered fruit and allowed children to respond with speech or pointing, then repeated words to establish what they meant. Everyday routines therefore provided opportunities to practise communication. Staff development included induction, supervision, meetings and targeted training, supporting shared expectations across the team.

The address is Community Centre, Ancells Farm, 1 Falkners Close, Fleet, GU51 2XF. Opening hours are 08:30 to 14:45, Monday to Friday, during term time; the setting closes for school holidays.

In October 2024, the pre-school received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position, separate from the current opening timetable.

• Independent problem-solving. In October 2024, adults sometimes supplied solutions before children had enough time to try. Ask how staff now balance helping with allowing children to persevere.
• Term-time timetable. The day ends at 14:45 and school holidays are closure periods. This suits families whose childcare arrangements fit that calendar.
• Settling and communication. Individual settling support and communication through speech, signs and gestures featured in October 2024. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how these would work for your child.

Ancells Farm suits families seeking term-time preschool care within a day that finishes in the afternoon, with communication and individual support prominent in its October 2024 practice. The concrete appeal is language woven into play and routines. The balance between adult help and children's independent effort remains the useful point to explore.