The Shore Pre-School

A farmyard built from children's own ideas captures The Shore Pre-School's approach: practical making, conversation and adults who extend an interest rather than simply supply an activity. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, highlighting the quality of education and relationships with families.

The pre-school has 36 places in total at Foxcott Close, Southampton, SO19 9JQ. Children attending in November 2024 were aged two to four; the setting operated during school terms, with breakfast provision alongside daytime sessions.

In November 2024, craft materials and tools gave children ways to turn their ideas into objects. An interest in animals led to making a farmyard, with staff introducing words and questions as the project developed. This connected imaginative play with language rather than treating conversation as a separate exercise.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the November 2024 examples included making, sharing books, singing and physical play. Picture prompts and signing helped children communicate, while book areas offered space for exploring familiar books independently or with friends.

Outdoors that November, children steered ride-on toys around cones and used large play equipment daily to practise balance and climbing. Staff had adapted the outdoor space following professional learning, giving children further reasons to take their play outside.

Home visits and carefully planned settling arrangements were part of family relationships in November 2024. Staff learned about each child before and during the settling process, making that early exchange useful for both children and parents.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including prompt referrals, cooperation with families and professionals, and resources purchased using support funding.

During that month, staff used pictures and props to explain behaviour and helped children put feelings into words. Children could explain why they wanted a friend to stop an action, giving them a practical way to handle disagreements. Families also received ideas for learning at home and guidance towards outside support agencies.

Nutritious snacks were provided in November 2024, and staff worked with parents on balanced lunches and advice about food at home.

In November 2024, the pre-school occupied a building within Weston Shore Infant School at Foxcott Close. Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

The November 2024 opening pattern was five days during school terms. Breakfast club ran from 8am to 8.45am, followed by main opening hours of 8.45am to 3.15pm, with sessional attendance during the day. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Term-time planning. The November 2024 pattern combined breakfast club with daytime sessions during school terms. How do today's session choices, holiday arrangements and funded-hours charges fit your family's week?
• School-site expectations. The November 2024 setting was within Weston Shore Infant School. Treat childcare and the Reception application as separate decisions: attendance does not secure a school place.

The November 2024 picture suits families seeking term-time daytime sessions, including those needing breakfast club beforehand. Its strongest appeal is the combination of child-led making, deliberate language work and close family relationships. The Outstanding judgement supports that assessment of the inspected provision; the practical choice turns on whether its attendance arrangements match your week.