Drayton Daisychain Pre-school

Books, balancing on wooden stumps and links with older neighbours give Drayton Daisychain Pre-school a recognisable character in its December 2024 account. This is a small setting at Drayton United Church in Portsmouth, with capacity for 24 children aged 12 to 48 months.

At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. Reading, physical play and everyday independence were prominent, alongside an improvement point about adapting interactions for younger children.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the December 2024 examples included building vocabulary through play, practising movement and learning to take turns.

In December 2024, shaving-foam play prompted descriptive language and comparisons with familiar materials. Fiction and factual books gave children different reasons to read, with a comfortable corner for sharing stories. Obstacle courses, scooters, small bicycles and wooden stumps offered opportunities to climb, pedal and practise balance while learning about risk.

The December 2024 account described visits to the nearby church to explore festivals such as harvest, plus activities involving older residents and community groups. These gave children concrete ways to explore other people's lives.

The December 2024 inspection identified that staff sometimes needed a stronger understanding of younger children's development to adapt activities and conversations appropriately. For families considering the youngest ages, that is the main educational question to pursue.

In December 2024, children shared books with staff and showed close connections with them. Consistent expectations helped children understand considerate behaviour; older children used sand timers to manage turns. These are practical foundations for sharing a busy play space.

Care routines that month included asking children before nappy changes and singing familiar rhymes during them. Older children put away snack plates and cups and managed their own hygiene, giving independence a place in ordinary routines.

Staff also collaborated with speech and language therapists on plans and shared strategies. Parents received explanations of their children's progress and guidance for learning at home, including books sent home in book bags.

The address is Drayton United Church, 282 Havant Road, Drayton, Portsmouth, PO6 1PA. The setting operates in term time and closes during school holidays.

In December 2024, opening hours were 8am to 3pm from Monday to Thursday, and 8am to midday on Friday. Government-funded places were offered for eligible children aged one to four at that time. This term-time rhythm makes the holiday calendar an important part of a family's childcare planning.

• Learning for younger children. December 2024 brought a specific improvement point about adapting interactions to developmental stages. During a visit, ask how staff now tailor activities for the youngest children.
• Term-time attendance. School-holiday closures are part of the operating pattern. Families needing childcare throughout the year should weigh that calendar against their working arrangements.
• Community experiences. Church visits and activities with older residents featured in December 2024. These experiences will appeal to families who value learning through contact with the local community.

Drayton Daisychain suits families seeking term-time childcare, with a December 2024 account centred on books, movement and growing independence. Its community connections add interest. The balanced decision rests on that Good judgement alongside the specific need to strengthen learning interactions for younger children.