Hawley Pre-School

Dough, chalk on slate and illustrated pebbles gave early learning a practical shape at Hawley Pre-School in May 2022. Based at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Camberley, the setting has capacity for 32 children. Its church-hall identity is matched by an inspection-era picture of hands-on play indoors and outside.

Ofsted rated the pre-school Good at its May 2022 inspection. Children attending then were aged two to four. That dated picture gives families useful detail about children's experiences, alongside two specific areas for improvement: support for home languages and consistency in responding to unwanted behaviour.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning and care, bringing language, physical development and early mathematical understanding into everyday play. In May 2022, water poured between containers introduced volume, while puzzles gave children opportunities to explore shapes and how pieces fitted together.

Small movements also had a purpose. During May 2022, children squeezed dough and pinched glitter as preparation for writing; older children practised letters using slate and chalk. Illustrated pebbles prompted conversations about pictures and their initial sounds. These were concrete ways to connect handling materials with early literacy.

Outdoor choice mattered too. In May 2022, children could play inside or outside, riding bikes and scooters, balancing on crates and collaborating on a fabric den. Den building brought movement and conversation together: children passed materials to one another and discussed their plans.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, recognised skilled support for children with SEND, including individual help and professional collaboration, and judged that children made good progress from their starting points. Those findings describe practice at that time.

In May 2022, picture cards and simple signs helped communication, but staff did not consistently encourage children's home languages. Responses to unwanted behaviour were sometimes too slow, leaving children with less help to understand and manage their reactions.

Snack routines encouraged independence in May 2022: children located their name cards, washed their hands and tidied their cups and bowls afterwards. Healthy snacks and drinks offered choice. Staff also exchanged information with parents during collection and drop-off, linking daily care with conversations at home.

The address is Holy Trinity Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Camberley, GU17 9BN.

In May 2022, the pre-school operated during school terms, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Thursday sessions finished at midday after a 9am start. These are historical session arrangements.

In May 2022, the setting received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Home-language support. In May 2022, staff needed to give children's home languages more consistent attention. This matters for families raising children with English alongside another language.
• Behaviour guidance. In May 2022, some responses to unwanted behaviour were delayed. Consistent intervention matters when children are learning how to manage feelings and interactions.
• Attendance and funding. The May 2022 arrangements combined longer sessions with a shorter Thursday during term time. Which current session and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family?

Hawley's May 2022 picture suits families who value practical play, outdoor choice and everyday independence. Its historical attendance model accommodated both longer daytime sessions and a shorter Thursday. The Good judgement sits alongside clear improvement points on language and behaviour, giving parents specific matters to weigh.