Perryfields Pre-School

Stories and conversation give Perryfields Pre-School its clearest character: in November 2022, children explored favourite books and experimented with words while investigating melting ice. At its 14 November 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The setting has capacity for 32 children aged 36 to 59 months and operates during term time. Its address is Perryfields Primary School, Apsley Road, Oldbury, B68 0QY. The school setting also shaped preparation for children's next stage in education.

The EYFS sets out requirements for children's learning, development and care. In November 2022, children learnt through stories, conversation, practical investigation and play. A gift-wrapped book introduced as a delivery from a fairy encouraged interest in reading, while ice melting in children's hands supplied a concrete reason to describe changes and learn vocabulary. Language had a practical purpose.

Physical play complemented those quieter activities. In November 2022, children used bikes and trikes, ran and crouched in games, and practised finer movements with dough, construction pieces and painting. Activity took place both inside and outside, giving children different ways to practise movement and coordination.

Adult-directed learning was prominent in November 2022. Staff planned activities around children's needs, but routines left too little scope for children to choose their own play. Increasing that freedom was the required improvement, with implications for sustained attention and independent learning.

In November 2022, key persons drew on their knowledge of children and home interests to plan experiences. Children needing extra help with language received individual support and targeted group work; staff also undertook recurring training on speech and language delays. These were specific ways of responding to communication needs.

Family communication included progress discussions and invitations to share achievements from home in November 2022. Children also practised school routines through activities organised with the school, making transition preparation part of their experience.

At mealtimes in November 2022, children discussed healthy food choices and received nutritious snacks; families supplied packed lunches, with guidance on including fruit and vegetables.

Opening hours are 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure in school holidays. In November 2022, the pre-school's session window ran between those same times, and it provided funded early education for children aged three and four.

The pre-school occupies grounds belonging to Perryfields Primary School. Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Children's choices. The November 2022 improvement concerned opportunities to direct their own play. On a visit, ask how routines now give children time to choose, persist and develop an activity.
• Term-time fit. School-holiday closure makes the calendar a significant consideration for families needing childcare throughout the year.
• Funding and attendance. In November 2022, children aged three and four could receive funded early education here. Ask for a current written quotation covering your intended attendance, funded hours, meals and consumables.

Perryfields suits families seeking term-time preschool care on a primary-school site. Its November 2022 account combines concrete language activities, physical play and preparation for school routines. The balance between adult direction and children's own choices deserves attention when judging whether its daily experience fits your child.