Sunshine Pre-School

A shared playground and P.E. in the village primary school hall give Sunshine Pre-School a close connection with school life. Based in Bomere Heath, it has 20 places in total, with play and contact with the Reception class shaping its character.

At its 5 October 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated Sunshine Good and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four; friendships, imaginative play and practical exploration featured in their day. That judgement also came with clear priorities: more precise activity planning, stronger oversight of teaching and better outdoor learning.

Today, opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The practical fit is therefore families whose childcare needs sit within that daytime window and term-time calendar.

Learning and Activities

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning, development and care: children build communication, physical and social skills alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding of the world. Sunshine plans play around children's interests and what observations reveal about their development. The intention is to connect an activity with the child taking part, rather than simply fill the timetable.

In October 2022, fruit exploration made that connection tangible. Children investigated pineapples, pomegranates, mangos and bananas, tried peeling and cutting, and learnt words to describe texture. One activity combined practical independence with conversation. Pretend hairdressing gave children a reason to cooperate, while instruments including triangles brought music into play.

Planning was less consistent elsewhere in October 2022. Staff sometimes selected activities without sufficiently clear learning intentions, so these did not reliably extend children's existing knowledge. For parents, the useful distinction is between an enjoyable activity and one that helps a child take a next step.

Outdoor and Community Life

Sunshine shares the primary school's play area with its younger classes, and children often play together. P.E. takes place in the school hall or grounds. These are concrete opportunities to become familiar with spaces and children beyond the preschool itself.

In October 2022, outdoor learning needed further development. The curriculum was not carried through fully into outdoor play, leaving some children who preferred learning outside with less purposeful experiences. Access to outdoor space and the learning organised within it are separate considerations here.

Relationships and Communication

In October 2022, staff gathered information from parents and other childcare settings to understand each child's existing skills. Ongoing observation then helped identify what needed more attention. This exchange matters for children attending more than one setting: adults can connect their care and learning rather than work in isolation.

Settling sessions were adjusted to individual children in October 2022, and staff shared ideas with parents for supporting learning at home. Children sought adults when they needed help. Behaviour support included redirecting attention, discussing the effect of actions on others and acknowledging positive behaviour, giving children practical help with relationships and feelings.

A voluntary preschool committee also gives parents a route to contribute to the running of the setting. Its roles accommodate different levels of involvement, making participation possible around the time families can give.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

The support process starts with the child's key person and involves the SENCO when concerns need further discussion. An Individual Education Plan (IEP), a written plan of achievable learning targets and review points, is developed with parents; families receive a copy and take part in reviews. Practical adjustments can include pencil grips, special scissors or a visual timetable.

Where communication difficulties require outside advice, the Speech and Language Therapy Service (SLT) is one possible referral route, with parents involved in the discussion. These mechanisms give families specific points of contact and a way to follow the support their child receives.

In October 2022, children discussed cleanliness and keeping their bodies healthy, and mealtimes included fruit, crackers and yoghurt. The manager has a safeguarding lead role, with deputy responsibilities for safeguarding and special educational needs also assigned.

Sunshine operates in the grounds of Bomere Heath C E Primary School, The Crescent, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, SY4 3PQ. Families can make an enquiry through the contact form, by telephone or by email.

Sessions and Attendance

Opening hours run from 9am until 3pm on weekdays, with term-time attendance. This calendar matters as much as the daily finish time when matching care to work commitments.

Funding and Paid Extras

Funded education and privately paid childcare are both offered. In October 2022, funded early education covered children aged two, three and four. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation.

The preschool's relationship with the Reception class supports familiarity with school life. Attending Sunshine does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Outdoor learning. In October 2022, learning outside needed clearer development. On a visit, ask how outdoor activities now extend children's interests and skills.
• Teaching and planning. October 2022 priorities included sharper monitoring of staff practice and clearer learning intentions. Ask for a recent example of how an activity was adapted to move a child's learning forward.
• Term-time care and costs. The weekday opening window ends at 3pm. Before booking, ask how your preferred attendance fits funded hours and what arrangements apply to meals and consumables.

Sunshine suits families seeking term-time preschool care within a 9am to 3pm weekday window, especially those who value shared play and familiarity with primary school spaces. Its individual support plans give parents a concrete role in reviewing additional help. The October 2022 judgement provides a positive starting point, balanced by specific questions about teaching oversight, activity planning and outdoor learning.