Paint Pots Preschool, St Joseph's

A sensory room for individual support and a mud kitchen for shared outdoor play give Paint Pots Preschool, St Joseph's a recognisable character. In June 2026, these spaces supported both small-group activities and children learning to work together.

At its 17 June 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged each assessed area to be at the Expected standard and safeguarding standards to be met. Behaviour routines and communication about children's learning were the two priorities for improvement. The preschool has 56 places in total; children attending in June 2026 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning and care, with play and everyday activities providing opportunities to develop language, physical skills and early mathematical understanding. In June 2026, communication sessions in small groups gave children space to contribute, while repeated stories encouraged them to supply familiar words and actions.

Mathematics also emerged through ordinary play that June: children compared patterns on dolls' clothing, explored how much water containers held and counted during care routines. Outdoors, blocks offered a balancing challenge, while guttering and skittles gave children opportunities to practise coordination. Carrying soil together for the mud kitchen brought cooperation into physical play.

Community experiences in June 2026 included litter picking with a local supermarket and visits to a nearby residential home. These connected children's activities with the neighbourhood beyond the preschool.

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that children, including those facing learning barriers, made steady developmental progress, with timely referrals and work alongside other professionals supporting individual needs. That finding gives substance to the inclusion judgement.

In June 2026, settling visits gathered information about interests, development and outside-agency involvement. Key persons offered comfort when children were upset, and the sensory room provided space for individual support and targeted group work. Toothbrushing formed part of the routine, alongside help for parents to access dental services.

Snack activities that June included preparing fruit and vegetables and pouring drinks, giving children practical opportunities for independence. Families supplied lunch boxes, with staff encouraging healthier contents. Parents valued the lending library, but information about their children's learning priorities needed to be clearer so they could support learning at home.

The address is St. Josephs Hall, Bugle Street, Southampton, SO14 2AH.

In June 2026, preparation for moving on included visits from Reception teachers and staff support during children's settling visits to schools. This helped connect the preschool experience with the next stage of education.

• Behaviour routines. In June 2026, responses to sharing difficulties and the reinforcement of rules were inconsistent. Ask how staff now make expectations clear across activities.
• Learning at home. Parents were unsure about their children's next learning steps in June 2026. During a visit, ask to see how those priorities are explained and shared.
• Attendance arrangements. Which session pattern could accommodate your family's week at St Joseph's?

This preschool suits families who value communication practice, practical independence and connections with the surrounding community. The June 2026 picture combines small-group learning and individual support with two concrete improvement priorities: consistent behaviour guidance and clearer information for parents. Those priorities deserve attention alongside the sensory room and outdoor opportunities.