Little Oaks Preschool

Story choices, butterfly paintings and a borrowing library give Little Oaks Preschool a recognisable character: language and reading shaped much of its day in March 2022. At its March 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding and found safeguarding effective.

The preschool has 22 places in total and occupies Oak Trees Children Centre on the St Luke First School Site in Redditch. Children attending in March 2022 were aged two to four; that age range describes the children at that visit.

In March 2022, conversations about spring helped children explain changes in their surroundings. A caterpillar story led into butterfly painting, with symmetry and shapes woven into the activity. This connected storytelling, creative work and mathematical ideas rather than treating them as separate tasks.

The early years foundation stage is the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the March 2022 activities illustrated how conversation, stories, drawing and movement could contribute to those different aspects of development.

Reading extended beyond story time. In March 2022, children voted for favourite stories, while a book bag scheme supported borrowing and a book borrowing library stood outside the preschool. In March 2022, children made large-scale drawings to music using broad crayon movements. Outdoor play, dance with props and learning about recycling added physical activity and environmental awareness.

At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted found excellent support for children with special educational needs and children learning English as an additional language, with additional funding directed towards resources and extra staffing. The special educational needs coordinator worked with the local inclusion team and other professionals, connecting nursery support with wider expertise.

In March 2022, parents contributed to assessments and discussed ways to extend learning at home. Children also practised practical independence through tidying, preparing for snack, handwashing and using the toilet. Staff discussed dental care with children and parents, making everyday health part of the conversation.

School preparation included collaboration with school staff and regular participation in school events in March 2022. This gave children experience of school life before their eventual move.

The address is Oak Trees Children Centre, St Luke First School Site, Plymouth Road, Redditch, B97 4NU.

In March 2022, preschool sessions ran Monday to Friday, from 8.40am to 2.40pm during term time. Some school holidays also included sessions from 10am to 2pm for school-age children entitled to free school meal benefits. These were separate from the preschool's term-time provision.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the offer in March 2022. The school-site location does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Attendance and funding. The March 2022 pattern centred on term-time sessions. At a visit, what attendance options and funded arrangements would apply to your child now?
• School-site setting. Regular school events supported transition in March 2022. Keep the preschool decision separate from the Reception application, because attendance does not secure a school place.
• Dated quality judgement. The Outstanding judgement dates to March 2022. Weigh that strong assessment alongside your family's present needs.

Little Oaks Preschool merits consideration for families drawn to language, reading and practical independence. Its March 2022 account suits those considering term-time preschool sessions, while the separate holiday provision was specifically for eligible school-age children. The borrowing library and connected story-and-art activities give that dated account substance, alongside the March 2022 Outstanding judgement.