Deux Chats Pre-School, St Augustines Church Hall

Ladders, bicycles and bug hunts give this church-hall pre-school a practical, energetic character in its June 2023 account. Deux Chats Pre-School, St Augustines Church Hall has capacity for 36 children aged 24 to 60 months in Aldershot. Ofsted graded it Good on 15 June 2023.

The setting opens during term time. For families, that makes the holiday calendar an important part of the childcare decision.

In June 2023, children combined water with sand, made play-dough insects and chose resources indoors and outside. These were hands-on opportunities to experiment with materials and develop ideas together, rather than simply follow an adult-led task.

Physical play made substantial use of the hall. In June 2023, children climbed ladders, jumped onto safety mats and used bicycles and other wheeled equipment indoors. The practical value was room to test movement and attempt manageable challenges.

Outside, June 2023 bug hunts involved insect photographs and magnifying glasses. Children searched beneath grass covering, collected woodlice and examined a millipede. The activity connected looking, identifying and investigating with the immediate outdoor surroundings.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for learning, development and care: children develop skills and understanding through experiences such as play. In June 2023, activities included early mathematics, reading and physical development. Independent drawing and early writing needed more attention, however, because opportunities to make marks were inconsistent.

At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, targeted help for children with SEND and English as an additional language, and good progress for children receiving additional support. Staff worked with other professionals to plan support, giving children's learning needs a shared response.

In June 2023, everyday conversations kept parents informed, while communication books linked home and pre-school for children needing extra help. These provided a practical way to carry support between the two settings.

Health routines were part of daily life in June 2023. Children washed their hands around meals and after outdoor play, and staff discussed foods that support good health. Behaviour routines were familiar too: children listened to adults and understood boundaries.

The address is St Augustines Church Hall, Holly Road, Aldershot, GU12 4SE. Opening hours are 09:00 to 14:30 from Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 15:00 on Friday, during term time; the setting closes for school holidays.

In June 2023, the pre-school provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. That dated participation is useful context for a family considering a funded booking.

• Quieter children. In June 2023, adults sometimes missed chances to help less confident children sustain and develop their play. On a visit, ask how staff notice and involve a child who hangs back.
• Early writing. In June 2023, children needed more opportunities to choose drawing and other mark-making activities independently. Ask how these now fit into the day.
• Term-time planning. School-holiday closures affect the care calendar. What funded-hours arrangement and additional charges would apply to your term-time booking?

This pre-school suits families seeking term-time childcare for preschool-aged children, with hands-on exploration and active play prominent in its June 2023 account. The hall's physical activities and outdoor investigations give that account clear character. The two improvement priorities matter: quieter children's involvement and independent early writing deserve close attention when choosing a place.