The Corner Pre-School in Portsmouth has maintained its Good rating following an Ofsted inspection in May, with inspectors praising children’s communication skills and physical development.
Inspection Findings
The pre-school, located on Lichfield Road in Portsmouth, received a Good rating across all areas during its inspection on 15 May 20251. This matches the rating from its previous inspection in October 2019.
Inspectors found that children arrive happily and demonstrate close relationships with staff, who welcome them warmly. The youngsters appear comfortable and safe in the environment, readily greeting friends and engaging with different resources.
Curriculum and Learning
Leaders have implemented an ambitious and interesting curriculum designed to provide children with knowledge to support their future education. Children demonstrate good understanding as they discuss topics such as how caterpillars turn into butterflies and how spiders lay eggs.
Staff promote children’s communication skills effectively, with youngsters learning vocabulary such as ‘tarantula’ and ‘scorpion’ whilst exploring their ‘minibeast’ topic. The pre-school provides plenty of opportunities for children to explore stories, with staff reading enthusiastically in the book corner with small groups.
Physical Development and Health
Children show confidence in their physical activities, demonstrating control as they balance on garden equipment. Staff encourage them to jump from low heights, with children taking pride in their accomplishments.
During snack time, staff discuss the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables, as well as explaining how drinking milk supports healthy teeth and bones.
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Areas for Improvement
Whilst the overall provision was rated Good, inspectors identified two areas for development. The setting should develop teaching interactions to further extend children’s learning and implement behavioural expectations more clearly and consistently to support children’s understanding of why rules are in place.
Setting Details
The Corner Pre-School, which registered in 2007, operates Monday to Thursday from 9am to 3.45pm and Friday from 9am to 3pm during term time only. The setting has 26 places and currently has 39 children on roll, aged between two and four years.
The pre-school employs seven staff, five of whom hold recognised early years qualifications at level 2 and above, including the manager who has a level 6 qualification.
