Oaklings Pre-school

Ice investigations, a book-lending scheme and space to practise independence give Oaklings Pre-school a recognisable character in its January 2024 account. Based at Green Oak Children's Centre in Sutton, it has capacity for 20 children. At its 17 January 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall and found safeguarding effective.

Children attending that January were aged two to three. The picture is of play given time to develop, with adults joining children's ideas rather than rushing them through activities.

In January 2024, children investigated figures trapped in ice, exploring melting over extended stretches of play. Play dough became pretend birthday cakes, with candles providing a reason to count and staff helping children count on their fingers. These examples connect imaginative play with early mathematics and understanding how things change.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the January 2024 examples show learning through play and everyday routines. Staff built conversations by extending children's words, while signs and visual cues helped make spoken language easier to follow.

Outside that January, a growing area and branches for adventurous play broadened children's experiences. Jumping and balancing gave them opportunities to practise movement and judge physical challenges.

In January 2024, children sought out their key person and settled readily after separating from parents. A calm space with sensory toys gave children somewhere to manage strong feelings. Independence also had practical expression: children helped clean tables and their achievements in dressing themselves were celebrated.

Support arrangements that January included referrals, collaboration with other professionals and targeted plans, alongside feedback and specific suggestions for parents. The book-lending scheme extended opportunities to share books at home. Staff supervision, mentoring and observation helped identify training needs; staff also described supportive working relationships and help with their wellbeing.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted identified occasional gender stereotyping in staff language and required further professional development on diversity and inclusion. This matters because children need freedom to choose their play and develop their interests.

The address is Green Oak Children's Centre, 671 London Road, Sutton, SM3 9DL.

In January 2024, attendance was term-time only, with sessions running Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 12.45pm. That was a morning-based pattern rather than an all-day timetable. Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the provision at that time.

• Inclusive play. The January 2024 improvement point concerned gender stereotypes in staff language. A visit is an opportunity to ask how training has changed the way adults discuss children's choices.
• Attendance pattern. The January 2024 timetable covered term-time mornings from Tuesday to Friday. What attendance arrangements now apply, and would they fit your family's week?
• Emotional support. A calm space and sensory toys were used in January 2024. Consider how this approach matches the ways your child manages strong feelings.

Oaklings merits consideration for families drawn to sustained imaginative play, practical independence and communication woven into daily routines. Its January 2024 morning, term-time model would suit families seeking a shorter preschool day. The January 2024 finding on gender stereotypes deserves attention.