Oasis Pre-School

Nature walks and a play park behind its premises gave Oasis Pre-School’s children room to move beyond the church in November 2024. Physical activity was woven into learning, rather than treated as a separate break.

Based at Surbiton Hill Methodist Church, the pre-school has capacity for 25 children aged 24 to 60 months. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good and judged safeguarding effective.

In November 2024, indoor activities and outdoor play followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children’s learning, development and care. In practice, movement, counting and cooperation overlapped: catching bubbles introduced counting, while decorating a Christmas tree gave children opportunities to share a task.

Mathematical learning also appeared in artwork. Children counted pom-poms and recognised numbers around the setting, making number work part of familiar activities. The outdoor space, nearby play park and nature walks provided opportunities to exercise both larger movements and finer physical skills.

Community involvement extended to a community kitchen and tree planting in November 2024. These activities connected the pre-school with life beyond its own premises.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children made good progress, including those learning English as an additional language, and that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities was effective.

During that month, staff worked with visiting professionals to establish individual targets and support children’s next steps. They also helped with the move to school. Key-person relationships gave children a familiar adult to connect with, while parents received updates about achievements and care routines, alongside help to continue learning at home.

Independence had practical foundations: children prepared snack fruit, poured water and practised managing coats and handwashing. However, in November 2024, staff did not consistently encourage children to tackle mealtime tasks independently. Quieter children also needed more chances to contribute to group discussion. These were the two priorities for further development: more opportunities to act independently and teaching that extends speech and language.

The address is Surbiton Hill Methodist Church, 39 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6AF. Opening hours are 8.45am to 4.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the setting closes for school holidays.

In November 2024, the pre-school offered government-funded childcare and received additional funding for disadvantaged children. That describes its funding provision at that date.

• Quieter voices. In November 2024, some quieter children had fewer opportunities to speak in groups. During a visit, ask how staff now draw them into conversations.
• Doing things independently. Mealtimes were a development priority in November 2024. Ask how children take responsibility for tasks during meals and planned activities.
• Term-time planning. Closure during school holidays matters for families needing year-round care. What booking patterns and funded arrangements would fit your child’s week?

Oasis suits families seeking term-time provision, with a November 2024 picture of play-based learning, close adult relationships and practical community involvement. Its park access and nature walks added useful physical space. The decision also deserves attention to the two teaching priorities: giving quieter children a voice and allowing children to do more for themselves.