Wilderness Pre-School

Stag beetles, bird nests and stories acted out together gave Wilderness Pre-School a recognisable character in June 2023: everyday discoveries became material for conversation and play. Based at Onslow Village Hall in Guildford, it has capacity for 24 children.

At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, found that children made good progress and judged safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest practical themes were independence, early language and preparation for moving on to school.

In June 2023, children explored natural finds during show and tell and acted out The Three Little Pigs. Stories were something to participate in, giving children opportunities to speak, listen and take turns rather than simply sit through a reading.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2023 activities connected those strands through play: mathematical vocabulary accompanied everyday tasks, while children practised writing their names. Tracing masks on a light box helped some children work on finer movements and control.

Physical exploration also had a place in June 2023. A digging area and stepping stones gave children opportunities to explore and climb, with staff close enough to supervise while allowing manageable challenges. Children learnt practical safety habits, including waiting for supervision before using larger climbing equipment.

In June 2023, staff adapted experiences to individual needs and family circumstances; some children had breakfast before beginning their activities. Children were encouraged to attempt tasks independently, and staff recognised their persistence when something proved difficult. That made everyday effort part of the learning experience.

Communication had useful foundations in June 2023: parents could raise concerns through an open-door arrangement, meet staff at least once a term and take learning folders home on request. However, regular updates about children's learning needed strengthening. The distinction matters: a termly conversation serves a different purpose from understanding what a child has been doing recently.

School preparation in June 2023 included visits from children's future teachers, giving them a chance to meet before the move. Checks for children aged two to three helped establish starting points and identify emerging support needs, alongside work with other agencies.

The address is Onslow Village Hall, The Square, Wilderness Road, Guildford, GU2 7QR.

In June 2023, attendance ran during term time, Monday to Thursday, with sessions from 8.45am to 12.30pm. This was a morning-length arrangement, so the historical pattern is relevant to families weighing preschool attendance against their working day. At that time, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four.

• Time to answer. In June 2023, staff sometimes moved on before children had enough thinking time. During a visit, how do practitioners give quieter children space to respond?
• Feedback between meetings. Regular learning updates needed strengthening in June 2023, despite termly meetings and access to folders. How does communication now connect the child's activities with conversations at home?

Wilderness's June 2023 picture suits families drawn to conversational, story-led preschool experiences and practical independence. The light box, natural finds and teacher visits give that picture substance. Its historical term-time morning sessions would suit families seeking a shorter preschool day; the two areas for improvement make thinking time and parent communication useful priorities when assessing the setting today.