Langstone Community Nursery

Dinosaur vocabulary, balancing blocks and letter games gave Langstone Community Nursery's January 2024 provision a recognisable character. This Portsmouth setting has capacity for 40 children and occupies premises at Langstone School, Ascot Road, PO3 6EY.

At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised support plans developed with parents and other professionals for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest practical thread was learning through conversation and hands-on play, with independence the area needing more consistent attention.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and practical activities help children build skills. In January 2024, dinosaur play introduced words such as extinction and Corythosaurus, linking vocabulary with figures and pictures. That gave children something concrete to talk about.

During the same month, sparkle box time explored individual alphabet letters and their sounds. A separate activity used shapes, pins and a cork board, with an adult's example prompting children to create their own designs. These were different routes into early literacy and sustained engagement.

Outside, children rode bikes and balanced on blocks in January 2024. A bell signalled that tidying would begin in two minutes, giving children time to finish their play and help friends put things away. Physical play and predictable routines both had a place in the day.

In January 2024, children who were still settling received comfort and gentle encouragement, while conversations about feelings helped them prepare to join activities. Parents received daily updates through an online system. That connected home with the nursery day.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted identified a need for staff to leave more everyday tasks to children, including opening food containers, rather than stepping in too quickly. This was a specific concern about opportunities to practise independence.

Training during that period included managing challenging behaviour, alongside mentoring for less experienced staff. Food discussions also explored the difference between treats and healthy snacks, making mealtimes another opportunity to learn.

In January 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funding for eligible two-, three- and four-year-olds was accepted then. These are dated operating arrangements, useful for understanding the nursery's sessional character.

The nursery occupied space within Langstone Infants School in January 2024. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; families still use the local authority admissions process.

• Everyday independence. The January 2024 improvement point concerned adults doing tasks children could attempt themselves. During a visit, ask how staff now balance help with opportunities to try.
• Term-time planning. The January 2024 opening pattern followed school terms. Families needing holiday care should weigh that dated pattern against their childcare needs.

Langstone suits families drawn to practical play, language-rich activities and a nursery based within a school site. Its January 2024 provision combined outdoor movement, early letter work and supportive settling. The independence concern deserves attention alongside those strengths; the term-time operating pattern also matters for family planning.