The Sombornes Preschool

Superhero storytelling, colour mixing and children taking responsibility for their daily board give The Sombornes Preschool its character in July 2022. Ofsted rated it Good at its inspection on 7 July 2022. The strongest practical thread was independence: children put away their lunch boxes, selected their names and marked their own attendance.

Based at The Annex in Kings Somborne, the preschool has 30 places in total. Children attending in July 2022 were aged two to four; that age range describes the setting at that time.

In July 2022, children used superhero props for puppet storytelling and explored colour, foam and texture through picture-making. These offered different ways to join in: telling a story aloud or experimenting with materials. Small-group discussions also gave children time to contribute and listen to one another.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2022 examples show how play supported language and mathematical understanding: staff introduced comparisons of weight and size while children explored objects. Makaton sign language gave children another way to communicate alongside speech.

Physical activity had concrete equipment and tasks. In July 2022, children worked dough with their hands, washed large toy cars and used a climbing frame. Physical education lessons included opportunities for older children to practise changing their own clothes, connecting movement with everyday independence.

Planning needed greater consistency. Some July 2022 activities placed too much emphasis on the finished result, reducing what children could learn through experimenting along the way.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements helped children build secure relationships and that safeguarding was effective. Collection procedures, staff awareness of possible harm and regular safeguarding discussions formed part of those arrangements.

In July 2022, staff worked with parents in a professional, respectful way. Children also had consistent boundaries, although adults sometimes intervened too quickly in disagreements. Giving an immediate solution could remove the chance for a child to work through frustration or decide what to do next.

The address is The Annex, Romsey Road, Kings Somborne, Stockbridge, SO20 6PP.

In July 2022, opening hours were 9.15am to 3.15pm from Monday to Thursday, and 9.15am to 1pm on Fridays. These are historical opening hours rather than a current booking pattern.

At that time, the preschool received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four, alongside early years pupil premium funding.

• Attendance arrangements. The July 2022 opening week had a shorter Friday. What attendance patterns and hours now apply for your child's age?
• Purposeful activities. In July 2022, some activities prioritised the finished product. The important distinction for families is whether children have room to experiment and learn through the process.
• Independent problem-solving. Adults sometimes settled social difficulties too quickly in July 2022. Children also need opportunities to make decisions and practise handling frustration themselves.

The Sombornes Preschool suits families who value practical independence, expressive play and close relationships with staff. Its July 2022 strengths were tangible, from puppet storytelling to children managing their own attendance routine. The balance to weigh is equally concrete: activities needed consistently purposeful planning, and children needed more space to solve problems themselves.