St Peters Preschool

Sand timers for sharing, supervised toothbrushing and books to take home give St Peters Preschool a practical, everyday character. In November 2024, these experiences linked learning with the skills children use to manage relationships and look after themselves.

At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good and found safeguarding effective. The setting has 25 places in total at 62 Crescent Road, Woolwich, London SE18 7BN; children attending in November 2024 were aged 2 to 4.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing learning and everyday care together. In November 2024, staff assessed children when they joined and used their interests and starting points to plan activities. Making play dough brought mathematics into something tangible: children measured flour as part of the task.

Language was woven into ordinary choices. In November 2024, staff introduced vocabulary while joining children's play, and snack-time conversations gave children opportunities to express preferences. Sand timers also gave children a concrete way to organise turns themselves, rather than depending on an adult to settle every exchange.

Reading had a mixed picture. In November 2024, expressive group stories held most children's attention, and books went home for families to share. A reading area and books alongside activities offered further opportunities, but children seldom chose them and adults sometimes missed chances to introduce reading into play. Literacy needed more consistent attention across the day.

Outdoor space was small in November 2024, with children able to move freely into it. Waterproof clothing supported participation, while regular trips to the local park created more room for energetic movement and coordination practice.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff responded sensitively to individual circumstances, supported communication and worked effectively with outside professionals for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Symbols alongside spoken language gave children another way to express what they wanted.

Settling involved parents directly in November 2024: they could remain while their child became comfortable. Low staff turnover supported continuity of relationships, and close monitoring helped staff identify gaps in learning. Additional funding paid for staff training aimed at individual children's needs.

Health also had a practical place in the day. In November 2024, visits from the oral health team complemented supervised toothbrushing for all children, connecting advice with a routine children could practise. Children also explored backgrounds and cultures beyond their own.

The address is 62 Crescent Road, Woolwich, London SE18 7BN. In November 2024, sessions ran Monday to Friday, from 9.15am to 3.15pm, and the preschool offered government-funded childcare places. That daytime pattern is relevant to families organising care around a working day.

• Reading during play. November 2024 identified missed opportunities to bring reading into activities, despite engaging group stories and take-home books. On a visit, look for how adults encourage children to use books during independent play.
• Outdoor scale. The small outdoor area was supplemented by regular park outings in November 2024. Consider how that combination fits your child's appetite for movement.
• Attendance fit. November 2024 sessions covered the middle of the day. What are the current accepted ages, booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements for your child?

St Peters Preschool merits consideration for families drawn to practical learning, parent involvement in settling and everyday health routines. Its November 2024 daytime sessions would suit families seeking care through the middle of the day. The literacy improvement point deserves attention alongside the positive overall judgement: engaging story times need to be matched by reading opportunities throughout play.