Milton Park Pre-School

Autumn colours, imaginative play and everyday independence characterised children’s experiences at Milton Park Pre-School in September 2025. Its address is care of Milton Park Primary School on Eastney Road in Portsmouth, PO4 8ET. It has 60 places in total. Ofsted rated the provision Good on 22 September 2025.

The children attending in September 2025 were aged two to four. Learning followed their interests, including making autumn pictures after noticing changes in the trees. The main improvement priority was more consistent conversation between adults and children.

In September 2025, children could choose activities indoors and outdoors. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care: here, play included counting, stories, movement and imaginative activities. Children explored autumn colours and used conkers for counting within sensory play, connecting ideas with objects they could handle.

A home corner equipped with dolls and doctors’ kits gave children material for inventing stories together. Group music and movement, nursery rhymes and shared books added opportunities to listen and participate. Outings included shops, parks and the local library, extending learning beyond the setting.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described support for children with SEND that included referrals, family involvement and individual learning plans.

During that month, visual prompts, signing and collaboration with families over home languages helped children learning English as an additional language take part. Staff encouraged children to choose activities and manage tasks such as handwashing themselves. Timers supported taking turns, while adults explained rules and intervened over unsafe behaviour.

Daily toothbrushing brought oral health into the routine. Families supplied lunch, with healthy choices encouraged, and children had a morning fruit snack bar. Parents received development updates, giving them information about their child’s learning beyond the activities of the day.

In September 2025, opening hours were 8.45am to 3.20pm, Monday to Friday, during school terms. That timetable matters for families planning care around the working day and school holidays.

At that time, the pre-school received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four, alongside funding for disadvantaged children. Families provided lunch; the morning fruit provision was a separate part of the day’s food arrangements.

• Conversation during play. In September 2025, adults did not consistently model language or leave enough time for children to answer. During a visit, ask how practitioners now extend conversations and give children space to respond.
• Term-time routine. The September 2025 timetable ended at 3.20pm and operated during school terms. Families needing later care or holiday cover should weigh that pattern against their working arrangements.

Milton Park Pre-School suits families who value imaginative play, practical independence and opportunities to explore the surrounding community. Its September 2025 practice combined everyday health routines with support tailored to individual children. More consistent adult conversation remains the clear improvement priority. The term-time timetable described then is an important part of the decision for working parents.