Old London Road Pre-School

Worms in the mud pit, colour experiments with cornflour and children learning to put on their own wellington boots give Old London Road Pre-School a practical, hands-on character. In February 2026, these experiences combined exploration with the small steps towards independence that matter before school.

At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard for inclusion, children's welfare and wellbeing, and behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance received Expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. The pre-school has 32 places in total; those attending in February 2026 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, play brings together language, movement, early mathematics and self-care. In February 2026, children explored colour by adding paint to cornflour, compared worms by length and investigated how to rebuild a tower after it fell. Familiar materials gave them concrete problems to think through.

Physical activity extended beyond running. In February 2026, pipettes and dough gave children opportunities to practise hand movements, while the garden offered crates and beams for climbing, puddles for jumping and a mud pit for searching for worms. These were different ways to use both large movements and smaller, more precise ones.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that teaching varied between practitioners, limiting how far children's progress was extended, although adaptations to communication, resources and the environment supported children with SEND. Greater consistency in responding to each child's next learning step was an improvement priority.

In February 2026, practitioners used timers to help children take turns and talked with them about naming emotions. Everyday transitions received attention too: staff supported movement between indoor groups and the garden, and children helped tidy resources. Predictable routines gave the day a recognisable shape.

Family information informed care in February 2026. Staff discussed toilet training, comforters and sleep routines with parents, allowing familiar approaches to continue at pre-school. Children had time to eat rather than being hurried through snacks and lunch.

For inclusion, the February 2026 arrangements included learning familiar words and signs, coordinating quieter story times between groups, and sharing individual strategies among staff. Parents and other professionals contributed information, while leaders coordinated external support. These are useful mechanisms for families whose children need adjustments to participate.

The address is 4th St Albans Scout Hut, Riverside Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1ST. In February 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3pm. That daytime window is a practical reference for comparing the pre-school with a family's working day.

• Teaching consistency. In February 2026, responding precisely to children's next learning steps remained an improvement priority. Ask how practitioners now plan and review those individual steps.
• Staff contribution. In February 2026, leaders were reviewing staff supervision and coaching, with further work needed to give practitioners a greater role in curriculum development. This matters because the improvement work reaches both teaching and leadership.
• Attendance arrangements. The February 2026 opening window ended at 3pm. Which booking pattern would fit your child's routine and your working hours?

Old London Road Pre-School suits families who value practical play, growing independence and care informed by a child's familiar routines. Its February 2026 strengths lay in inclusion, wellbeing and behaviour. Teaching consistency and staff involvement in developing the curriculum remain the important counterweights when weighing that picture.