Mortimer Hall

Independence built through filling a spray bottle, conversation developed through brick play: Mortimer Hall's July 2024 picture is of a preschool where everyday activities carry a clear learning purpose. It operates in a village hall in Old Marston, Oxford, and has capacity for 26 children.

At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated Mortimer Hall Good, found safeguarding effective and identified tailored support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) as a strength. Children attending then were aged two to five. That age range describes the children at that visit.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the July 2024 examples included language, movement and learning to do things independently. Adults extended conversations during construction play, adding vocabulary that children then used to express their ideas.

In July 2024, children practised jumping with skipping ropes and climbed substantial play equipment with little assistance. Physical learning had concrete challenges. Filling spray bottles offered another chance to keep trying and complete a task themselves, rather than immediately handing it to an adult.

Staff also used facial expressions and discussion to explore emotions. Younger children learnt to recognise feelings, while older children could explain why losing a toy might make someone sad. These were practical ways to connect words with experiences children understood.

In July 2024, the key-person arrangement gave children a familiar adult to turn to for comfort. For children with SEND, staff reviewed interests and needs each day and stayed nearby when reassurance was needed. This made support responsive to the individual child rather than a single routine for everyone.

Behaviour expectations were reinforced gently: children practised waiting before moving to the hall and responded to reminders about safe play. An online journal also connected parents with preschool life.

However, the July 2024 inspection identified two weaknesses: professional development needed sharper direction to address uneven staff understanding of children's learning, and parents were not consistently told what their children should learn next. The latter matters because parents need clear next learning goals to support their child's development at home.

Mortimer Hall's address is Mortimer Hall, Oxford Road, Oxford OX3 0PH. In July 2024, its opening hours were 9am to 3pm on weekdays, during term time.

At that date, the preschool received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of its funding participation, rather than a promise of a funded place.

• Learning updates. Communication about children's next learning goals needed improvement in July 2024. At a visit, ask to see how these goals are now shared with families.
• Staff development. July 2024 findings called for more targeted training. Ask how staff now decide on, explain and review each child's next learning steps.
• Attendance fit. The July 2024 timetable was term-time weekdays, 9am to 3pm. What attendance patterns can a family book now?

Mortimer Hall suits families who value familiar key-person relationships, practical independence and language developed through play. Its July 2024 strengths were tangible, especially individual support and opportunities to persevere. The decision also rests on how clearly staff now explain children's learning goals and how the attendance arrangements fit family life.