Daisy Chain Pre-School

In November 2024, potion-making, shared farm-building and books borrowed for home shaped Daisy Chain Pre-School's daily life: everyday play gave children opportunities to talk, cooperate and try things independently. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The setting has capacity for 36 children aged 24 to 60 months, at 923 Ashton Road in Oldham. Its term-time calendar makes the school-holiday boundary a practical consideration for families.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday skills into the same day. In November 2024, activities included making potions, with staff using questions to introduce vocabulary, and collaborative farm-building that gave children a reason to solve problems together.

Books had a practical place in daily life. In November 2024, stories, rhymes and songs featured in routines, including musical cues for tidying up; children also explored what authors and illustrators do. The lending library extended access to books beyond the setting.

Mathematics appeared within play in November 2024, through comparing weight, exploring shapes and discussing quantities. Children's interests also shaped activities: superheroes provided material for imaginative play and conversations about helping others. Celebrations introduced children to one another's cultures and beliefs.

There were limits to the teaching. In November 2024, staff knew what children needed to learn next but did not consistently turn that knowledge into activities that moved learning forward. Listening received insufficient attention for some children, while circle-time planning did not sustain everyone's engagement.

In November 2024, staff encouraged children to seek help and attempt tasks themselves. Putting on coats and wellington boots, serving snacks and managing toileting gave independence a concrete purpose. Praise and adult example supported sharing and taking turns; children also encouraged their friends.

Support involved families as well as staff. In November 2024, children needing additional help were identified and referred promptly to partner agencies, with parents involved in the response. Families received ideas for activities at home, alongside access to the lending library.

Health learning was practical too. In November 2024, children explored handwashing and caring for their teeth, making personal care part of learning rather than a separate topic.

Daisy Chain Pre-School is at 923 Ashton Road, Oldham, OL8 3HX. Opening hours are 09:15 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, during term time; it closes for school holidays.

In November 2024, the setting offered government-funded places for children aged two to four, including children receiving funding for disadvantage. That is the dated funding position, rather than a promise of individual eligibility.

• Listening and individual learning. In November 2024, children's next learning steps were not consistently acted on. Ask how staff now translate those steps into activities for your child.
• Group activities. Circle times did not keep every child engaged in November 2024. Their organisation deserves attention alongside the stronger examples of child-led play.
• Term-time attendance. The setting closes for school holidays. Can the booking pattern and holiday calendar fit your family's childcare needs?

Daisy Chain Pre-School suits families seeking term-time childcare, with an inspection-era picture of language-rich play, practical independence and books shared with home. The November 2024 findings also give families two precise points to weigh: how consistently individual learning is extended, and how effectively group activities involve every child.