Wind In The Willows Preschool, ABC Durrington

A pack-away preschool where pretend bugs led to garden exploration: play shaped the day at Wind In The Willows Preschool, ABC Durrington in April 2023. Resources changed with children's interests, giving their ideas a practical route into learning. The setting has capacity for 24 children.

At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good and judged safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four. That dated picture combines child-led exploration with two clear priorities for improvement: more thoughtful conversations and better access to early writing.

In April 2023, children used construction toys to make bicycles and practised counting through games. An interest in pretend insects prompted staff to provide magnifying glasses for investigating real creatures in the garden. These examples show how play connected problem-solving, number work and exploration.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday expression in April 2023 included choosing resources, exploring outdoors and listening to stories. Children could choose between indoor and outdoor play, so learning was not confined to the hall.

Physical activity included pushing wheels outside and preparing fruit at snack time. Books also gave children opportunities to enjoy stories together. Writing was less accessible: in April 2023, materials were not readily within reach, and staff did too little to encourage their use. Spoken language needed attention too, with questions that invited fuller answers and longer pauses before staff moved on.

In April 2023, a key-person arrangement gave children a familiar adult for emotional support. Staff shared information about what each child was working towards, helping care continue across different adults. Older children explained behaviour expectations to younger children, while choosing toys and tidying after lunch gave children small responsibilities.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff collaborated with other professionals to plan support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and that children, including those receiving additional funding, made good progress.

Communication in April 2023 included daily exchanges with parents and parents' evenings. Handwashing before food, conversations about healthy eating and attention to oral health were also part of the routine. These were practical opportunities for children to take part in their own care.

Pavilion Hall, Recreation Road, Salisbury, SP4 8HH is the preschool's address. In April 2023, it operated Monday to Friday during school terms, with session times of 8.45am to 2.45pm. That attendance pattern matters for families arranging care around the school calendar.

In April 2023, the preschool received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated funding position, alongside the dated attendance pattern.

• Conversation and writing. The April 2023 improvement priorities concerned thinking time, open questions and opportunities to write. On a visit, ask how writing materials are made accessible and how staff give children time to answer.
• Term-time attendance. The April 2023 pattern followed school terms and ended at 2.45pm. Would the present booking arrangements fit your working day and holiday-care needs?

The April 2023 picture suits families seeking term-time preschool attendance and a day shaped by children's play interests. Garden investigations, construction and everyday independence give that picture substance. The Good judgement sits alongside specific weaknesses in writing opportunities and adult questioning, making those useful priorities when assessing the preschool for your child.