Brookside Pre-School

Tricycles, go-karts and learning to share an outdoor roadway give Brookside Pre-School's February 2022 account a recognisable character. Physical play sat alongside conversation, creative work and the small social challenges of waiting for a favourite toy.

At its February 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated Brookside Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children made good progress, including those receiving additional funding, with effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These are dated judgements. Brookside has capacity for 46 children; children attending in February 2022 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together: here, the February 2022 examples included exploring shapes, making things and developing language through conversation. Children compared circles with ovals and persisted when an activity proved challenging. That gives a concrete picture of learning through practical tasks.

Outdoor play in February 2022 included tricycles and go-karts, with children practising steering, pedalling and making room for others on the roadway. Creative activities included paper hearts decorated with glue and stickers. These experiences combined physical coordination with choices about materials and cooperation with other children.

In February 2022, staff adapted care to children's personalities, helping younger and less confident children build relationships and settle. Clear pronunciation and picture prompts supported communication, including understanding routines before lunch.

The special educational needs coordinator worked with families and other professionals in February 2022. Staff monitored children's development, while online communication and newsletters connected nursery activities with home learning. Topics included a weekly colour, letter and shape, giving parents something specific to explore together.

Health routines in February 2022 covered drinking water, healthy eating and caring for teeth. Staff supervised children during indoor play, outdoor activities and meals.

Brookside's address is Blunden Hall, Blunden Road, Farnborough GU14 8QP.

In February 2022, opening hours were 8.15am to 2.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 8.15am to 12.15pm on Thursday, during term time. That attendance window matters for families planning work around care: Thursday ended earlier than the other weekdays.

In February 2022, Brookside received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. This describes participation at that date, rather than a current funding or booking promise.

• Teaching precision and staff development. The February 2022 inspection asked for clearer individual learning goals during planned activities and more targeted training through staff supervision. How do staff now connect each child's next steps with activity planning and their own training?
• Term-time planning. In February 2022, care followed term time and Thursday closed at lunchtime. Families needing holiday care or consistent afternoon cover should weigh that historical pattern carefully.

Brookside's February 2022 picture suits families who value practical play, outdoor movement and communication between home and nursery. Its strengths were tangible: riding, creating, talking and learning to cooperate. The teaching recommendations deserve equal attention, and the dated term-time pattern is central to assessing its practical fit.