Red Dragon Pre-School

Tree climbing, baking ingredients bought at a local farm shop and practice with school-uniform buttons give Red Dragon Pre-School a practical character in its July 2023 account of daily life. Based at St Blaise School in Milton Heights, Abingdon, it has 26 places in total. At its July 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The children attending in July 2023 were aged two to four. That dated picture centres on outdoor activity, growing independence and preparation for school, with teaching consistency and participation by quieter children requiring attention.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: daily experiences should build skills alongside attending to children's wellbeing. In July 2023, practical activities included baking and responding to children's ideas, such as making pizza. Children could contribute to what happened next.

Outdoor play had physical substance. In July 2023, children used planks for balancing, climbed trees and swung from branches; outings included buying baking ingredients at a local farm shop. These experiences connected movement, conversation and everyday tasks. Expert-led balance-bike and yoga sessions also gave children opportunities to practise coordination and movement.

Participation was less consistent during some activities organised by adults. In July 2023, staff sometimes failed to adjust their teaching sufficiently for less confident children, leaving quieter children less involved. Staff feedback also needed to concentrate more closely on improving teaching practice.

Home visits helped staff learn about children's interests, needs and family experiences in July 2023. Families could borrow games made by the setting and share its books at home, including books linked to changes such as a new baby. This gave parents concrete ways to extend activities beyond the pre-school day.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received targeted help, with the special educational needs coordinator working with families and outside professionals, and made good progress alongside their peers.

School preparation was practical in July 2023: children rehearsed changing into uniform and doing up buttons, while staff worked with early years teachers on activities. Health routines included handwashing and conversations about food choices and dental health.

The address is c/o St Blaise School, Milton Heights, Abingdon, OX14 4DR. In July 2023, opening hours were 8.45am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The setting then received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four.

In July 2023, the pre-school operated within St Blaise Church of England Primary School. Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Quieter children. Some activities organised by adults did not fully involve less confident children in July 2023. At a visit, ask how staff adapt these activities for a child who hangs back.
• Teaching consistency. The July 2023 improvement priorities included making staff observation and feedback more effective. Ask how this now leads to changes in everyday teaching.
• Attendance planning. The July 2023 pattern was term-time opening from 8.45am to 3pm. What attendance arrangements can the setting offer your family now?

Red Dragon suits families who value practical school preparation and active outdoor experiences, judging by its July 2023 provision. Uniform practice, farm-shop outings and lending games gave that provision substance. The counterweight is important: quieter children's involvement and the consistency of teaching both needed closer attention.