Barn Owls Pre-School

Bug hunts, balancing beams and sunflowers give Barn Owls Pre-School a recognisable character in its September 2023 account of daily life. Based at Pirrie Park Bowling Club in Southampton, it has capacity for 40 children aged 24 to 60 months.

At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Two improvements mattered: giving children longer to answer questions and making expectations for behaviour clearer.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: language, physical activity and growing independence belong together in the day.

In September 2023, Guess the Sound helped children learn vocabulary through listening games. Stories involved answering questions and predicting what might happen next, giving children an active part in group reading. Sunflower growing brought comparison into practical learning as children considered the plants' height alongside their own.

Outdoors that month, balancing beams and races offered different ways to practise movement. Bug hunts encouraged children to identify insects together. The curved natural surface also gave them opportunities to judge their movements and manage manageable risks. These were concrete experiences, rather than learning confined to group discussion.

In September 2023, home-learning packs connected activities at the setting with learning at home. Staff adjusted children's next steps to their development, although questioning sometimes moved too quickly for children to think and contribute.

The Golden Rules gave children a shared reference for behaviour that month; taking turns, sharing and building a house together showed cooperation in practice. Responses to unwanted behaviour were sometimes inconsistent, however, leaving expectations less clear.

During September 2023, the manager also held the special educational needs coordinator role, working with families, other professionals and the local authority to obtain funding for individual support. Safeguarding routines included supervision indoors and outdoors, training and discussions at team meetings.

Healthy habits had practical expression that month. Children planted and smelled herbs, used them in pretend cooking, washed their hands before snacks and helped prepare healthy food.

The address is Pirrie Park Bowling Club, 78a Wilton Crescent, Southampton, SO15 7QE. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In September 2023, the pre-school received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. That dated funding position is separate from its current opening arrangements.

• Time to think. In September 2023, questions sometimes followed too quickly. During a visit, look for pauses that allow children to form and share their answers.
• Behaviour expectations. Responses to unwanted behaviour were inconsistent in September 2023. Ask how staff now use the Golden Rules during group activities.
• Attendance fit. The opening day runs from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Which booking pattern would fit your family's week?

Barn Owls suits families seeking provision for children aged 24 to 60 months, with an all-year opening calendar. Its September 2023 picture combined practical outdoor learning with support involving families and other professionals. Clearer behaviour guidance and more patient questioning remain the two dated improvement points to weigh alongside that account.