Binstead Stepping Stones Pre-School

Rice heaps turned into volcanoes, with new words about eruptions woven into play: in June 2025, hands-on exploration gave Binstead Stepping Stones Pre-School's day its character. Small activities connected movement, imagination and conversation.

Ofsted rated the pre-school Good at its 11 June 2025 inspection. It has 35 places in total for children aged 24 to 48 months, at Binstead Cp School in Ryde.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the June 2025 activities connected play with language, physical development and children's next learning steps.

In June 2025, children explored rice and lentils with utensils, while staff introduced vocabulary associated with their imaginary volcanoes. Planting seeds gave children something to follow as it grew. These were concrete starting points for conversation and discovery.

Physical activity included using tweezers to lift small objects, riding tricycles and balancing on tyres in the garden. Hand control and larger movements both had a place in the day, supporting the physical foundations for writing.

Group activities were less consistent. In June 2025, their planning sometimes left children disengaged, reducing what they gained from the intended learning. This is an important qualification to the otherwise purposeful account of play.

At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress, supported by individual targets, parental involvement and work with other professionals.

In June 2025, settling sessions and information gathered from parents helped staff get to know new children. Children sought staff out to share their creations and involve them in play. Additional funding paid for resources and activities matched to children's needs.

Staff responded promptly to disagreements, but did not consistently help children recognise another child's feelings. The improvement needed was specific: children needed more help understanding how their actions affected others.

Staff supervision included development and wellbeing discussions. For the move to school, teachers visited the pre-school and discussed children's support needs, including SEND.

The address is Binstead Cp School, Hazlemere Avenue, Ryde, PO33 3SA. Opening hours are 8.55am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the setting closes for school holidays.

In June 2025, the pre-school provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. It operated from Binstead Primary school on the Isle of Wight. Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Group learning. June 2025 activities did not consistently hold every child's attention. During a visit, ask how group activities now accommodate children with different levels of engagement.
• Managing disagreements. In June 2025, children needed more consistent help recognising others' feelings. Ask how staff now teach this during everyday play.
• Term-time timetable. The weekday opening window ends at 3pm, with school-holiday closures. Families needing care beyond that timetable will need a separate arrangement.

Binstead Stepping Stones suits families seeking term-time early education for children aged 24 to 48 months. Its June 2025 strengths were tangible: exploratory play, physical activities and individual support. The two improvement priorities also matter, especially for children who need help staying involved in groups or understanding social situations.