The Oaks Creche and Pre-School MMC

In July 2024, favourite stories, colour mixing and sandcastles characterised this Bracknell pre-school's learning through conversation and exploration. The Oaks Creche and Pre-School MMC has capacity for 20 children in Great Hollands, at The Oaks Childrens Centre on Wordsworth, Bracknell, RG12 8QN.

Ofsted rated the setting Good at its July 2024 inspection. Children attending then were aged two to four, and the account below describes practice at that time.

In July 2024, stories gave children opportunities to listen, predict and develop vocabulary. Staff introduced the work of authors and illustrators, helping children understand how books are made rather than simply hearing a familiar tale.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its practical expression in July 2024 included learning through play: children experimented with mixing paint colours and explored what happened when they pressed down their sandcastles. Adults guided these discoveries while leaving space for children to investigate for themselves.

Physical activity also mattered. In July 2024, staff encouraged children to develop coordination and keep trying when an activity proved difficult. Learning to persevere sat alongside learning new skills.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), making good progress, with prompt referrals and professional support helping those who needed additional assistance.

In July 2024, staff used their knowledge of children's personalities to help younger or less confident children settle. Conversations about feelings and reassurance supported emotional wellbeing; older children helped younger friends, and tidying together gave cooperation a practical purpose.

Parents received information about children's interests, activities, achievements and next learning steps in July 2024. Support also covered toilet training and preparation for school, giving families ways to continue learning at home.

In July 2024, the pre-school operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 9.15am to 3.30pm. That timetable placed attendance within the school-term calendar rather than a year-round pattern.

At that time, the setting received funding for free early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated account of its funding participation, rather than an entitlement guarantee for an individual child.

• Stretching confident learners. In July 2024, staff sometimes missed opportunities to take the most able children's learning further. Ask how activities now extend children who grasp an idea quickly.
• Staff development. In July 2024, supervision needed sharper attention to practitioners' knowledge and day-to-day practice. This matters because adult guidance shapes how much children gain from an activity.
• Planning attendance. The July 2024 timetable was term-time, with sessions from 9.15am to 3.30pm. What attendance pattern would fit your family's needs now?

The strongest fit is for families who value conversational learning, emotional support and practical help with readiness for school. The July 2024 picture combines attentive relationships with exploratory play, while leaving two clear priorities: greater challenge for confident learners and more purposeful staff supervision. Families considering the term-time timetable should weigh that dated attendance pattern alongside these strengths.