Stepping Stones Preschool

Counting treasure in sand, voting for stories and growing food gave Stepping Stones Preschool a hands-on character in July 2025. At its 11 July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good, found safeguarding effective and judged its support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) positively.

The setting has 24 places in total. Children attending in July 2025 were aged two to four; the preschool combined creative play with opportunities to practise conversation, cooperation and independence.

In July 2025, play offered several routes into learning. Children searched sand for coins and gems, then counted their discoveries with staff. Construction, drawing and painting gave them other ways to explore ideas and make things.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2025 examples included counting through play, describing sensory experiences and discussing stories. Songs and action rhymes also formed part of the day, giving children opportunities to practise language in different ways.

Choice had a practical role. Children selected a story by voting and counted the votes for each book. Outdoors, bicycles and climbing in the garden offered physical challenges, while yoga sessions encouraged children to try different movements and demonstrate positions they had learnt.

In July 2025, staff gathered information from families at the start and used it to establish children's starting points. They shared updates on development and suggestions for learning at home. Familiarity with each child helped connect care with their interests and next steps.

SEND arrangements at that time included referrals, work with families and other professionals, and targeted plans. Additional funding supported a communication programme addressing speech and language.

Everyday tasks also gave children responsibility. In July 2025, they poured drinks and buttered toast at snack time, grew fruit and vegetables, and brushed their teeth after lunch. Staff modelled courteous language and encouraged turn-taking, including sharing a buggy during doll play.

The address is Teachers Way, Hardley, Southampton SO45 2QG. In July 2025, the preschool operated in a classroom at Manor Church of England Infant School and opened on weekdays from 9am to 3.30pm during term time.

At that time, it received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. The school setting should be understood separately from Reception admissions: preschool attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Teaching consistency. In July 2025, activities were not always closely matched to the new curriculum's intended learning. More consistent planning was needed to build on children's existing knowledge.
• Interrupted play. The July 2025 snack-board routine sometimes broke children's concentration. The improvement needed was to organise routines so children could sustain their play and learning.
• Attendance fit. July 2025 opening hours followed a term-time weekday pattern. When visiting, ask which current attendance arrangements would fit your family's week.

Stepping Stones suits families drawn to a preschool experience built around practical play, conversation and growing independence. The July 2025 picture included counting discoveries, making choices and taking responsibility for everyday tasks. Its term-time operating pattern at that date is a useful starting point for judging fit, alongside the need for more consistent curriculum delivery and fewer interruptions to play.