St Mary's and St Peter's Pre School

In February 2022, a garden mud kitchen and children's own acted-out stories gave St Mary's and St Peter's Pre School a recognisable character. In February 2022, imaginative play sat alongside practical learning about road safety, growing food and recognising feelings. These were activities with a purpose: children could practise language, cooperation and everyday skills through play.

Ofsted rated the preschool Good at its February 2022 inspection. It has 24 places in total on Somerset Road in Teddington.

In February 2022, children invented recipes in the mud kitchen, practised crossing a garden zebra crossing and explored water using long tubes. Each offered a different challenge, from negotiating pretend play to controlling careful movements.

Helicopter stories involved children acting out stories they invented while staff put their words on paper. An investigation station in the garden used logs and tree stumps to explore insects underneath. Vegetable growing connected caring for plants with learning where food originates.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care; in everyday terms, play builds language, movement, relationships and early number skills. In February 2022, staff introduced counting and shapes during activities, while recyclable boxes, tubes and joining materials let children construct their own models. Wheeled toys, planks and climbing equipment added physical challenges outdoors.

At the February 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children making good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff knew children individually and helped them settle; activities were adjusted using observations of their learning.

In February 2022, families received learning updates through secure electronic diaries and daily conversations, and could borrow books for reading at home. Stories and games helped children recognise emotions, while books and play resources introduced different cultures and backgrounds.

Healthy snacks were provided that February, with conversations about nutritious food. Older children prepared fruit themselves, but younger children's independence at snack time and teaching about oral hygiene both needed further development.

The address is Somerset Road, Teddington, TW11 8RX. In February 2022, children attending were aged three to four, and opening hours were Monday to Friday, 8.50am to midday and 12.20pm to 3.30pm, during term time.

That February, the preschool received funding for free early education for three- and four-year-olds. It operated within the grounds of St Mary's and St Peter's Church of England Primary School. Attending the preschool does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Snack-time independence. In February 2022, younger children needed more opportunities to manage tasks themselves. This matters for families prioritising everyday self-care.
• Oral hygiene. Teaching about dental care needed further development in February 2022. This was a specific improvement priority alongside healthy eating.
• Attendance planning. The February 2022 timetable was term-time, with separate opening windows. At a visit, what attendance and funding arrangements would apply to your child now?

For families drawn to imaginative storytelling, garden exploration and practical independence, the February 2022 picture offers concrete reasons to consider this preschool. The Good judgement sits alongside two clear development priorities. Its school-site location is useful context; Reception admissions remain a separate process.