Angelfish Preschool

Cutting fruit, pouring milk and exploring the properties of ice: independence and hands-on exploration characterised children's activities at Angelfish Preschool in January 2024. At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good. The practical examples behind that judgement are useful: children took responsibility at snack time and investigated ice together.

Based at Hayling Sports Centre on Hayling Island, the preschool has capacity for 35 children aged 24 to 60 months. Its inspection-era offer centred on term-time attendance.

In January 2024, children chose resources for themselves and explored ice to release frozen bugs, making predictions and trying out ideas. This gave them a concrete problem to tackle together. An imaginary aeroplane made from chairs became an opportunity to count passengers and use pretend tickets, connecting number work with imaginative play.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together; here, the January 2024 examples included conversation, stories, physical activity and learning through play. Adults described what children were doing and allowed time for answers to open questions. Books in two languages let children enjoy stories in their home languages too.

During that same month, children could move between indoor activities and the outdoor area in different weather. Climbing, balancing and running gave them space to practise larger movements. Choice was part of the day.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities effective, and good progress among children, including those receiving additional funding.

In January 2024, staff worked with parents and other professionals to tailor support to individual needs. Adults also helped children manage emotions and behaviour through clear guidance. Close relationships and encouragement supported their confidence, while preparing their own fruit and pouring milk gave independence a practical purpose.

Daily checks of indoor and outdoor risks formed part of the arrangements that month. Recruitment checks and continuing staff supervision also supported oversight of staff suitability.

The address is Hayling Sports Centre, Harold Road, Hayling Island, PO11 9LT. In January 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3pm on weekdays, during term time.

That month, the preschool accepted funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of its funding participation, rather than a promise of an individual child's entitlement.

• Teaching younger children. In January 2024, the new curriculum was still being embedded, and some staff were unclear about activities' learning purposes. This restricted how readily they adapted learning, especially for younger children.
• Holiday coverage. The January 2024 opening pattern was term time only. Families needing holiday childcare should weigh that pattern against their working year.
• Planning a visit. How would the current attendance options and funded-hours arrangements fit your child's age and your family's weekly routine?

The January 2024 account points to a fit for families who value practical independence, imaginative play and opportunities to choose between indoor and outdoor activity. In January 2024, staff encouraged independence and imaginative play, but some lacked clarity about activities' learning purposes. The term-time pattern described then is an important part of the fit for families.