Shirley Preschool

Wooden ramps, toy cars and experiments with slope give Shirley Preschool's June 2023 provision a recognisable character: children explored ideas together, with staff helping them think through what happened. Play had a clear learning purpose.

At its 28 June 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and reported that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress with support from staff and other professionals. The preschool has 40 places in total. Its inspection-era offer should be read with that date in mind.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and physical activity contribute to learning rather than sitting apart from it.

In June 2023, children built structures using large wooden blocks and compared lengths of wood for a slide. Staff's questions encouraged them to consider their choices and the risks involved. This gave construction play a practical problem to solve.

Stories also prompted active participation. In June 2023, children responded physically when they recognised a letter sound, while staff revisited what they remembered and introduced rhyme. Water exploration brought new vocabulary about creatures and diving equipment, connecting objects with explanations about the wider world.

Outside, the June 2023 activities included tricycles, ride-on toys, chalk roads, balancing on ramps and pulling wagons. These offered different ways to practise movement, from steering to balance.

In June 2023, picture cards helped children discuss feelings and find different words for emotions. Staff also helped children who needed support to manage their behaviour. The practical value was language children could use to explain how they felt.

Parents received regular updates about development in June 2023. However, staff were not collecting all the information needed to help each child understand their identity and belonging; some children took longer to develop that understanding. Fuller information sharing was the improvement priority, making communication about a child's background a meaningful consideration for families.

Shirley Preschool is based at St. James Road Methodist Church, St. James Road, Southampton, SO15 5HE.

In June 2023, it took children aged two to four and opened on weekdays from 8.30am to 2.30pm during term time. These are dated operating arrangements, rather than a current attendance offer.

• Information sharing. The June 2023 improvement priority concerned children's identity and belonging. At a visit, discuss how information about your child's background informs their support.
• Term-time routine. The June 2023 opening pattern ended at 2.30pm and followed term time. What attendance arrangements now apply, and would they fit your family's working day?

Shirley Preschool merits consideration for families who value practical experimentation, language-rich play and opportunities to build independence. The June 2023 examples give substance to that appeal: children tested ramps, explored sounds and discussed feelings. The information-sharing improvement point belongs alongside those strengths when weighing the preschool's fit for an individual child.