Foundry Road Preschool

Firefighter play, a mud kitchen and a bus trip give Foundry Road Preschool's May 2025 picture its character: practical experiences that connect learning with children's interests. At its 6 May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good and found safeguarding effective. The improvement priorities were sharper challenge for children's thinking and more purposeful staff development.

Based at St. Andrews United Reformed Church on Foundry Road in Kingswinford, DY6 9BA, the preschool has 35 places in total. It operates during term time, with school holidays closed. Children attending in May 2025 were aged two to four; that age range describes the inspection group.

In May 2025, learning followed children's interests: firefighter puzzles developed hand control, while firefighter role play brought conversation and shared problem-solving into play. A bus outing introduced children to public transport and their surrounding community. These were concrete ways to make unfamiliar experiences accessible.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and practical experiences into their day. In May 2025, staff built learning from children's starting points and interests, although activities did not consistently stretch their thinking far enough.

Physical play had substance. In May 2025, children used a climbing wall, ladder rungs and balancing beams, alongside obstacle courses. The mud kitchen offered textures and materials to investigate. These experiences gave children different ways to practise movement, explore and work things out.

In May 2025, relationships with staff were affectionate and respectful, and children approached familiar routines confidently. Adults helped children recognise emotions, take turns and settle disagreements, using calm redirection when behaviour needed attention. Dressing in role-play uniforms also gave children practice in managing their own clothes ahead of school.

Family involvement included workshops and activities shared with parents in May 2025. Staff exchanged information about children's days and development, giving families a connection between preschool experiences and home. Conversations, songs and rhymes gave children opportunities to practise speaking and listening.

Outdoor time formed part of each day in May 2025, and activities about teeth introduced oral health. Children using the lunch club brought their own packed lunches.

The address is St. Andrews United Reformed Church, Foundry Road, Kingswinford, DY6 9BA. Opening hours are 9am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to midday on Friday, during term time.

In May 2025, session times were 9am to midday and 1pm to 4pm, with a daily lunch club between midday and 1pm. Packed lunches came from home. The setting also provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children at that time.

• Stretching learning. In May 2025, activities did not consistently challenge children's thinking sufficiently. Families should ask how staff now extend an activity when a child is ready for more.
• Staff development. May 2025 improvement priorities included a more targeted approach to professional development. Ask how training now translates into changes in everyday teaching.
• Term-time rhythm. The preschool closes during school holidays, and Friday opening ends at midday. Families needing holiday care or Friday afternoons should factor those boundaries into their plans.

Foundry Road Preschool suits families seeking term-time preschool experiences, with practical play and preparation for greater independence prominent in its May 2025 picture. The climbing equipment, firefighter activities and community outing give that picture substance. The Good judgement sits alongside clear priorities: more consistent challenge and better-directed staff development. Its holiday closures and shorter Friday make the weekly calendar an important part of the choice.