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Padnell Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2025)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·Padnell Infant School, Padnell Avenue, Waterlooville, PO8 8DS · Hampshire
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
Hampshire

About this day nursery

Padnell Pre-School is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare for children aged two up to five years old. The preschool strives to create a safe and supportive learning environment, working in close partnership with parents to offer a service that champions equality and values diversity within the community.

Rooted in the philosophy of "We play and learn together," the preschool ensures all policies are reviewed annually to maintain their effectiveness and uphold these core values. The setting places a strong emphasis on a key person approach, where each child is assigned a dedicated staff member to foster secure relationships, aid in settling in, and create a personalised plan for the child’s well-being and learning.

Parental involvement is actively promoted, recognising parents as crucial educators in their children's development. Padnell Pre-School is supported by Hampshire County Council and operates as a registered charity, committed to adhering to National Standards set by Ofsted and the Early Years Alliance to provide comprehensive support for children and families.

The preschool thoughtfully manages admissions to ensure accessibility for all families in the local community, taking into account individual needs and ensuring a smooth transition into the setting.

Our ethos

We aim to provide high quality, affordable and accessible childcare to children aged 2 to rising 5 years, in a safe and supportive environment, and to work in partnership with parents in the provision of childcare in the community offering children and their parents a service which promotes equality and values diversity.

What it's like

Children appear happy and settled at this warm and welcoming pre-school. Staff are friendly and nurturing, and build meaningful relationships with children. Children confidently get involved with exciting activities and demonstrate an understanding of sharing and taking turns.

Charity-runKey person approachStrong parental involvementInclusive environment

Pricing & funding

Fees are billed monthly with payment due within 14 days. There is a minimum suggested attendance of six hours per week, or twelve hours for funded children. The pre-school does not charge for additional extras and does not offer refunds for missed sessions.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Minimum suggested attendance is 6 hours per week.
  • Minimum of 2 full days or 12 hours per week recommended for 30-hour funded children.
  • Invoices are billed monthly, with payment due within 14 days.
  • No refunds for missed sessions, except under exceptional circumstances.
  • No charges for additional extras, but voluntary donations are welcome.

Key facts

Opening hours

8.50 am - 2.55 pm, 38 weeks a year

Age range

2 to 5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

1971

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Padnell Pre-School

Last inspected 2 July 2025 · Nicola Houston

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children appear happy and settled at this warm and welcoming pre-school. Staff are friendly and nurturing, and build meaningful relationships with children. Children confidently get involved with exciting activities and demonstrate an understanding of sharing and taking turns.

Inspector highlights

  • Children appear happy and settled.
  • Children get countless opportunities to learn about the natural environment.
  • Leaders have adopted a curriculum that prepares children with the skills they need for their future education.
  • Staff use assessment to monitor how children are progressing.
  • Leaders work closely with other professionals involved in children's care.

Areas to develop

  • 1deliver information about behavioural expectations consistently to children to increase their understanding of why they are in place.
  • 2ensure a member of staff with a full and relevant paediatric first-aid qualification is on the premises and available at all times when children are present.
Inspection #10399469 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Where children have special educational needs and/or disabilities, staff work with speech and language therapists and local paediatric teams. Together, staff implement collaborative plans, such as focusing on the use of visual aids to extend children's vocabulary. This shared approach to learning supports children to achieve the best outcomes.

Outdoor space

Children have countless opportunities to learn about the natural environment. Children carefully consider how to arrange their outside obstacle course. They move equipment and carefully consider risks with staff who support them as they make decisions.

Parent Reviews of Padnell Pre-School

5.0
(2)
Zoloo Zaya
10 months ago

Our daughter started at Padnell Pre-School when she was 2.5 years old, and we could not be happier with the experience. It was her first time in any childcare setting, and the way the team supported her was just amazing. She could only say a couple of words when she joined, and now she is a confident little chatterbox who loves learning, books, and chatting about her day. The staff have been brilliant with things like toilet training and supporting her vegan diet – we really appreciate the care and attention they give. She even misses nursery during the half-term breaks! We have been so impressed with the structure of the learning – from motor skills to emotional development, it is clear they know exactly what they are doing. Most importantly, our daughter feels safe, happy, and included every day. Thank you to the whole team – you have made such a difference in her early years and we are so grateful.

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Stephanie Elliott
9 years ago

Have really shopped around for a preschool/nursery and this one was outstanding. (I have also worked in a few). The staff are all extremely friendly and ready to help. As a parent I feel my opinion is valued and my children have been more than catered for both academically and with their development (couldn't ask for more). I am proud to be a padnell Preschool mummy :-)

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Padnell Pre-School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: April 2012

  • July 2025Good
  • December 2019Good
  • February 2016Outstanding
  • April 2012Outstanding

Frequently asked about Padnell Pre-School

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