Shooting stars preschool

Paint-covered hands, counting cups and an indoor climbing frame give Shooting stars preschool's December 2024 provision a recognisable character: learning grew out of play and everyday routines. Activities had a purpose, but children could take them in another direction.

Ofsted rated the preschool Good on 12 December 2024. Based at Empower Centre in Havant, it has 36 places in total; the children attending in December 2024 were aged 0 to 5.

In December 2024, the early years foundation stage provided the required framework for children's learning and care, with play supporting language, physical skills and early mathematical understanding. Staff built activities on what children already understood. During shape printing, children became absorbed in handling paint, and practitioners used that interest to introduce descriptive vocabulary rather than insist on a finished picture.

Mathematics also belonged to the routine that month: children counted cups at the table and steps on the indoor climbing frame. Songs, conversations and shared books gave them opportunities to practise language and connect written words with meaning.

Outside, December 2024 activities included balancing on beams, climbing large equipment and running freely. Staff offered guidance as children tackled physical challenges. Indoors and outdoors both contributed to movement, rather than leaving physical play to outdoor time alone.

At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described staff responding sensitively to children's communication and emotions. Older children talked about feelings, while younger children received gentle rocking when unsettled: support matched the child rather than relying on one response.

In December 2024, practitioners modelled considerate behaviour and reinforced boundaries positively. Children also practised hygiene, explored the effects of sugary food on teeth and prepared healthy food through cooking activities. These were practical opportunities to learn about looking after themselves.

Parent communication that month combined newsletters with spoken updates, but individual learning goals did not consistently reach every family. That limited parents' ability to continue learning at home. Staff also exchanged information with other settings and professionals. Regular supervision, appraisals and training supported practitioners' work.

The address is Empower Centre, 47 Botley Drive, Havant, PO9 4PJ.

In December 2024, opening hours ran from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Government-funded early years places formed part of the provision at that date. These are dated operating details, useful when considering how the preschool could fit around family routines.

• Learning updates. Communication about individual goals was the December 2024 improvement priority. Ask how your child's next steps would be shared so you can support the same learning at home.
• Attendance fit. The December 2024 opening window was term-time daytime provision. Which current booking pattern would fit your family's week?

The December 2024 picture suits families who value sensory exploration, everyday counting and active play within a term-time routine. Staff adapted activities to children's interests, with paint play and climbing providing concrete examples. The counterweight is parent communication: clear, individual learning updates matter alongside what happens during the child's day.