Giant Steps on The Borough

In June 2026, sensory boxes, a climbing frame and practical help with managing feelings shaped the preschool experience at Giant Steps on The Borough. Based at Memorial Hall in Salisbury, it has capacity for 32 children.

At its June 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, and inclusion to be Strong standard; achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance met the Expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. These are separate area judgements, rather than an overall grade.

In June 2026, children explored a large indoor space and outdoor activities, including climbing, cycling and pretending to repair bikes. Water play involved pouring between differently sized containers; construction offered another way to experiment. These experiences brought movement, imagination and early mathematical ideas into the day.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, in June 2026, its practical expression included stories, singing, sign language and counting within everyday routines. Children matched toy animals to stories and explored books independently, connecting objects and words.

Teaching needed greater precision. In June 2026, activities took account of children's interests, but staff did not consistently direct teaching towards each child's next learning step. An appealing activity and a carefully targeted learning opportunity are different things. Both matter.

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements supported emotional wellbeing, while collaboration with external professionals and tailored resources helped children with SEND participate in learning. The practical support was individual: sensory boxes gave children resources to choose when upset, and a calm choices board helped them decide how to settle their attention.

In June 2026, settling visits were adjusted in length and frequency to help children become familiar with the setting. Visual prompts and timers prepared children for changes between activities, while adults modelled breathing together to manage feelings. This gave children concrete tools rather than relying solely on verbal reassurance.

School preparation also included contact with local schools and visiting teachers in June 2026. The emphasis was on helping children move into their next setting gradually.

The address is Memorial Hall, The Borough, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 3NB. In June 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and the children attending were aged three to four.

In June 2026, staff discussed healthy food with children and monitored lunchboxes against healthy-eating guidance. Children practised serving themselves and using cutlery, making mealtimes an opportunity to develop independence.

• Teaching precision. The June 2026 improvement action called for closer attention to children's individual learning steps. For families, the useful distinction is how an activity advances their own child's skills.
• Adults during independent play. In June 2026, leaders needed to review staff deployment during child-led activities so that teaching was consistently strong. The priority was how adults support children's learning during that play.
• Planning attendance. June 2026 opening hours covered the working day. Which booking patterns and accepted ages would fit your family's needs now?

Giant Steps on The Borough suits families who value practical support for emotions alongside active preschool play. Its June 2026 picture combines climbing and imaginative activities with individual sensory resources and adaptable settling. The balance is clear: care and inclusion earned stronger judgements than teaching, and the next priority was more precise adult input into children's learning.