St John's Pre-school, Merrow

Train tracks repaired through trial and error, oversized teeth scrubbed clean and children choosing between indoor and outdoor play: these April 2025 examples give St John's Pre-school, Merrow its character. Practical independence runs through the account of daily life. The setting has 26 places in total.

At its 23 April 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language received strong support and made good progress.

In April 2025, children aged two to four attended the setting. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care, with play helping children practise communication, problem-solving and everyday skills.

That month, children worked together to reconnect a broken train track, turning pieces until they fitted. Role play in the home area and construction using elastic bands offered other ways to explore ideas. Children could choose their music and action rhymes, giving them a say in their activities.

Tooth-cleaning play introduced words connected with dentistry and hygiene while children removed icing sugar from enormous teeth. At the April 2025 inspection, Ofsted identified a need to improve planning for adult-led activities, with football activity organisation preventing some children from participating fully. The distinction matters: engaging materials alone do not ensure that everyone benefits.

In April 2025, staff worked with families and professionals to address developmental concerns through targeted support. Additional funding was directed towards children's learning needs. This gives parents a concrete mechanism to discuss, rather than a general promise of inclusion.

Everyday independence also received attention that month. Children served their own snacks and practised changing clothes and footwear for outdoor play; steps led to the outside area. Staff encouraged persistence and helped children express feelings and treat others politely. Families received updates, alongside help understanding transitions within the setting and onwards to school.

The address is 222 Epsom Road, Guildford, GU4 7AA.

In April 2025, opening hours were 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time only. Funded care and early education were provided for children aged two, three and four. Those arrangements describe the inspection period and should be read as a dated picture of the pre-school's operation.

• Adult-led learning. Planning was an improvement priority in April 2025, and the football example showed how organisation could restrict participation. Ask how activities now accommodate children with different skills and needs.
• Term-time mornings. The April 2025 opening window was confined to weekday mornings in term time. Does the current attendance arrangement fit your family's working hours?

For families considering a preschool setting, the April 2025 picture combines child-chosen play with practical preparation for greater independence. It is most relevant to those whose routines suit term-time mornings. Collaborative play and family communication are useful strengths in that dated account; inclusive planning for adult-led activities is the point to examine closely.