Little Learners Pre School

In April 2026, jigsaws, balancing bars and books to borrow gave Little Learners Pre School a practical, play-led character. Based at New Milton Infant School, it has 18 places in total. At the 27 April 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas to meet the Expected standard and safeguarding standards to be met.

The children attending in April 2026 were aged two to four. The strongest practical thread was growing independence: children made choices in play, tackled physical challenges and took responsibility for small daily tasks.

The early years' foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, April 2026 examples included counting through pretend shopping, talking about growing seeds and practising balance outdoors, connecting learning with activities children could take part in directly.

In April 2026, staff used Makaton to help children with limited spoken language learn signs. Singing, stories and small-group activities also supported communication. Maths appeared in practical play: children used scales, matched quantities to numerals and explored adding or removing objects.

Outside, the sandpit encouraged shared play, while balancing bars gave children opportunities to persist after a wobble. Increasingly challenging jigsaws offered another reason to keep trying. These examples made persistence tangible rather than simply an adult expectation.

Teaching had limitations in April 2026. Staff did not consistently give children enough time to answer questions or solve problems. Activities also needed more opportunities for children to develop their own ideas, practise skills creatively and learn appropriate tool use.

At the April 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that staff identified barriers to learning promptly and worked effectively with other agencies to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. A special educational needs coordinator contributed to this work, with funding directed towards individual needs.

In April 2026, children talked confidently with their key persons, and staff gathered information from parents about what children could already do. Egg timers helped older children manage turn-taking; younger children received adult help when sharing proved difficult. That gave children practical support with everyday social demands.

Snack routines in April 2026 included fruit, adults sitting alongside children and older children washing their own bowls and plates. A lending library extended stories into family life, giving parents and children books to share at home.

The address is New Milton Infant School, Lymington Road, New Milton, BH25 6PZ. In April 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 8.40am to 3pm. These describe the operating window rather than a particular session booking.

In April 2026, leaders helped parents access their funding entitlement and worked with school staff on the move into Reception. Attending the preschool does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Teaching depth. April 2026 next steps concerned giving children longer to think and more chances to practise creatively. These matter for children ready to develop ideas beyond the activity itself.
• Attendance arrangements. The April 2026 operating window ran from 8.40am to 3pm on weekdays. At a visit, what booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family?
• Reception planning. School transition work supported the move onwards in April 2026. Keep the Reception application separate from the preschool place.

Little Learners' April 2026 provision suited families seeking preschool experiences built around practical play, outdoor movement and increasing independence. Its April 2026 provision met the Expected standard across the assessed areas, with useful communication and inclusion mechanisms. The decision point is teaching depth: children need time to explain, experiment and solve problems as well as enjoy activities.