Crookham Sunshines Community Preschool

Water channels, patient problem-solving and considerate play give Crookham Sunshines Community Preschool its character in the June 2023 account of daily life. Children worked out how to move water along gullies, persisted when it proved difficult and included others in their games. These are useful examples of learning through practical challenges.

At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good overall, with Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, and found that children made good progress across the areas of learning. The setting has capacity for 30 children; those attending in June 2023 were aged two to four.

In June 2023, planning drew on children's interests and preferred ways of learning. Water play became a task involving movement and spillage, giving children a reason to experiment rather than simply handle equipment.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care, connecting everyday play with their development. In June 2023, staff used fruit exploration to extend conversation about shape and texture, then gave children thinking time before answering. Pretend food orders in the home area prompted further questions and sustained exchanges.

Outside, in June 2023, children had space for energetic movement and a climbing frame. They practised judging when to seek an adult's hand before jumping down. Independence also featured indoors: children organised their belongings and took responsibility for marking their attendance.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities exceptionally strong, with activities adapted to individual needs and additional funding helping children participate.

In June 2023, staff demonstrated calm responses during play, and children showed patience when others struggled with sharing or disrupted their constructions. This made social learning part of ordinary interactions.

The June 2023 account also described regular safeguarding training, recruitment checks and continuing checks on staff suitability. Staff reported manageable workloads and professional and personal support within the team. Parents received help with referral processes, including speech and language support, and advice about preparing children for school.

The preschool is based at Church Crookham Community Centre, Boyce Road, Church Crookham Fleet, GU52 8AQ, in Crookham Park.

In June 2023, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. That timetable describes the preschool at that date.

• Learning about other lives. In June 2023, opportunities to explore communities and experiences beyond children's own were sometimes too limited. This was the curriculum improvement priority, making the breadth of learning a useful point to discuss.
• Planning attendance. The June 2023 timetable followed term time and daytime hours. On a visit, ask which current attendance arrangements would fit your family's working week.

Crookham Sunshines is worth considering for families who value practical play, growing independence and considerate relationships. The June 2023 examples are concrete: experimenting with water, extending pretend conversations and learning when to request help outdoors. The dated assessment supports that picture, while the curriculum's treatment of unfamiliar lives and communities deserves attention. Its June 2023 term-time timetable provides a starting point for families seeking care around the school calendar.