Squirrels Preschool

A box to explore, a familiar song and children joining in: communication through shared play gives Squirrels Preschool its character in the June 2024 account. Based at West Totton Centre in Totton, it has capacity for 40 children in total. Children attending at that visit were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection period.

At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised timely SEND support that helped children make progress. The strengths sat alongside clear priorities: better communication between leaders, teaching more closely matched to individual abilities and steadier guidance about behaviour.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the June 2024 examples included language activities, creative play and opportunities to practise physical skills. Vocabulary groups helped children learn new words; shared sessions included exploring a box and joining in a familiar song.

Physical play had concrete variety in June 2024. Children practised moving a swing and poured water between containers and over seashells, exercising both whole-body movement and hand control. Choosing activities and managing their own belongings also gave them opportunities to act independently.

Creative activities needed more careful adjustment. In June 2024, staff sometimes gave children tasks that did not offer enough challenge for their particular abilities. For families, the important distinction is between joining an activity and having that activity extend what a child can already do.

In June 2024, children approached staff for help and conversation, and adults listened to their personal stories. Settling visits gave staff information about children's interests and development. An online platform carried developmental updates, while parents contributed experiences from holidays and trips that could inform planning.

The SENCO's work with outside agencies formed part of the June 2024 support arrangements. Staff also coordinated with other settings children attended and with local schools over transitions, connecting care and learning across those changes.

At mealtimes in June 2024, children served themselves fruit and poured drinks; reminders about handwashing linked independence with everyday hygiene. Behaviour support included help with small disagreements, but responses to different incidents were inconsistent, leaving children with uneven messages about boundaries.

Squirrels Preschool's address is West Totton Centre, Hazel Farm Road, Totton, Southampton, SO40 8WU.

In June 2024, opening hours were 7.55am to 3.55pm on weekdays during school terms. That describes the opening window at that time, rather than a choice of booking patterns. The preschool then received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Teaching challenge. In June 2024, activities were not always adjusted to children's differing abilities. On a visit, ask how staff build on your child's existing skills.
• Consistent boundaries. The June 2024 findings identified uneven responses to behaviour. Ask how practitioners agree and explain expectations across the day.
• Leadership communication. In June 2024, communication between the manager and committee needed greater regularity. Ask how decisions and changes are shared across the team.

Squirrels Preschool suits families who value language-rich shared activities and opportunities for children to practise independence. The June 2024 picture combines approachable staff, parent contributions to planning and practical play with important questions about teaching challenge and consistency. Those details give families a useful basis for judging how the preschool would respond to their own child's interests and stage of development.