Osman Squad Preschool

Warm relationships and an uneven learning offer define the January 2026 picture at Osman Squad Preschool in Mitcham. At its January 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour and routines and children's welfare and wellbeing to meet the expected standard, while achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance needed attention; safeguarding standards were met.

The preschool has 37 places in total. In January 2026, children sought comfort from staff and enjoyed shared books and sensory play. Those everyday relationships matter, but families also need to weigh the weaknesses in teaching and targeted support.

In January 2026, children explored shredded paper, listening to its sounds and hiding toy animals inside it. Staff responded to their interest in animals through stories and play resources. A book lending library and story sacks gave families another way to encourage interest in reading.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the January 2026 activities included counting, identifying shapes and singing action songs, but opportunities to tackle more varied problems were restricted. Conversation often stayed close to the immediate activity rather than stretching children's vocabulary and thinking. Older children's group activities were sometimes shortened, reducing time for learning together.

There was no dedicated outdoor play space in January 2026. Regular park outings provided fresh air, ring games and practice in road safety, while balls and hoops supported coordination. Opportunities to develop larger physical movements nevertheless needed expansion. Outings were valuable, but they did not answer every physical-development need.

In January 2026, key people understood children's individual needs, and staff gave children time to settle. Picture prompts and visual timetables helped younger children and children with SEND anticipate routines. Sleep arrangements included consistent supervision; staff also supported growing independence with coats, utensils and serving food.

Ofsted's January 2026 findings identified inconsistent delivery of individual SEND targets and opportunities for peer relationships, meals that were not consistently balanced and nutritious, insufficiently targeted staff development, and leaders' incomplete understanding of legal duties concerning video recording equipment.

During that month, staff responsible for SEND worked with families and external professionals to assess progress and agree targets. Observations and tracking helped identify needs, but identifying a target did not reliably translate into support during play. Parents also received practical help with toilet training.

The address is 74 Gorringe Park Avenue, Mitcham, CR4 2DJ. There are 37 places in total, a whole-setting figure rather than a room size.

The January 2026 action requirements carried a completion date of 28 February 2026. They covered data-protection and video-recording duties, targeted SEND support, and staff training that improves teaching across areas of development.

• Teaching beyond familiar activities. January 2026 practice gave children counting and singing opportunities, but limited challenge in language and problem-solving. During a visit, ask how staff now extend conversations and sustain older children's group learning.
• SEND targets in daily play. In January 2026, assessment was stronger than consistent implementation. Ask how an individual target becomes a planned opportunity to interact with other children.
• Outdoor exercise and meals. January 2026 park outings supported movement, while physical-development opportunities and meal balance needed work. Ask how the daily routine now addresses both needs.
• Video recording and leadership. The action deadline was 28 February 2026. Ask what changes addressed data-protection duties and how leaders monitor staff training and practice.

Osman Squad Preschool warrants careful consideration rather than an uncomplicated recommendation. Its January 2026 picture may appeal to families who value affectionate staff relationships, shared reading and practical support with routines. Families seeking more demanding language development or dependable implementation of SEND targets should give those weaknesses substantial weight alongside the caring interactions.