Little Dragons Preschool

A village-hall preschool with outdoor play in all weathers and parents involved in its charitable running: Little Dragons Preschool has a clear community character. Based in Ogbourne St George, near Marlborough, it welcomes children aged two to four and has capacity for 25 children. A volunteer committee oversees the setting, while fundraising helps pay for equipment and improvements beyond everyday running costs.

At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated Little Dragons Outstanding and found that its curriculum developed confident communication, independence and readiness for school. That judgement gives weight to the play-led approach, but belongs to that inspection date. The current offer combines a main playroom, a quiet corner for stories and an outdoor area children can use throughout their sessions.

Opening is term-time only, with an earlier finish on Fridays. This is a preschool built around the school-year calendar, an important practical distinction for working families.

Learning and Activities

The Early Years Foundation Stage provides the framework for learning through play, with children making choices alongside activities guided by adults. Singing, phonics, messy play and games feature in the day. Staff observe children to shape both the opportunities children initiate and the activities adults introduce, so planning connects with what children are actually doing.

Everyday objects carried substantial teaching value in June 2023. Comparing drinking bottles led to measuring with rulers; growing beans prompted children to estimate and then check their ideas. Sharing bread introduced the idea of quarters. These examples show how mathematical language and number could become part of ordinary play and snack-time conversation rather than a separate exercise.

Language work was equally concrete in June 2023. Staff narrated younger children's activities and introduced vocabulary they could practise using. Older children explored the meaning of artificial while creating cardboard robot arms. Early writing ranged from making marks in sand to using notepads during café play. Children had reasons to talk, measure and write.

Outdoor and Community Life

Movement between the playroom and outdoors is available throughout sessions, whatever the weather. Ride-on toys and climbing equipment support physical play, while sand, water and nature exploration give children different materials to investigate. The cosy corner provides a quieter alternative for stories and rest from busy play.

In June 2023, children spent substantial time outdoors, including designing raised walkways together and experimenting with balancing and jumping. Cooperative building also featured indoors: children adjusted a block tower after it fell. The detail matters because it connects physical activity with trying ideas, solving problems and working alongside other children.

Community events bring families into the preschool's life. Bears at Bedtime involves children returning in pyjamas for stories, with parents also reading aloud; hot chocolate and bear cookies have accompanied the event. Bag 2 School collects unwanted clothing and other items for reuse and fundraising, with an aim of holding two collections each year. These are specific ways for parents to participate beyond their child's normal attendance.

Relationships and Communication

Learning Book is the online journal used to capture children's experiences and track development. Parents can view their child's learning, and the Learning Corner offers activities to try at home. Photos uploaded through the journal's home section can be linked to learning by the child's key person. That creates a practical connection between home interests and preschool planning.

The home ideas are specific: sharing books such as Monkey Puzzle and Room on the Broom, singing Wind the Bobbin Up, counting objects and building with boxes or blocks. These are suggestions for families, rather than extra sessions sold as part of the preschool day. Regular email updates provide another channel for communication.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described staff identifying children needing additional help, working with parents and professionals, and sharing information with Reception teachers so support could continue into school. The current staffing structure includes a SENCO, safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead, alongside a behaviour-management lead; staff undertake first-aid and ongoing training.

In June 2023, children were helped to express feelings and settle disagreements, including using a quiet space to regain calm. Staff also gave families advice about food choices and oral hygiene.

Families supply packed lunches and contribute fruit or vegetables for snacks. Food therefore needs to be planned at home as part of the preschool routine.

Sessions and Attendance

Opening hours are 9am to 3pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm on Friday, during term time only. Term dates follow Wiltshire schools, and the preschool closes for teacher development days. The shorter Friday and school-holiday closures need to fit the family's wider childcare arrangements.

An enquiry form and telephone contact provide routes to get in touch, and there is an application form. Little Dragons is based at the Village Hall, High Street, Ogbourne St George, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1SU.

Funding and Paid Extras

Both privately paid childcare and funded early education are offered. The funding arrangements include the 15-hour entitlement over 38 weeks, eligible funding for two-year-olds and 30 hours free childcare funding. Delivery is term-time, consistent with the opening calendar; acceptance of funding does not establish an individual family's eligibility.

Parents provide the packed lunch and snack contribution, including when using funded hours. Fees are reviewed each April, so families should obtain a current written quotation. The opening times and fees page sets out the charging and funding structure.

Moving on to School

The preschool describes a close relationship with Ogbourne St George & St Andrew Primary School, including a transition process beginning 10 months before the move. That gives preparation a substantial lead-in. Attending Little Dragons does not guarantee a school place: families still use the local authority admissions process.

• School-calendar childcare. Term-time opening and the 1pm Friday finish are central to the offer. Consider how those hours fit work and care during school holidays.
• Settling into a shared play space. Children use a main playroom and move freely outdoors. On a visit, ask how settling and key-person support would work for your child's temperament and previous experience of group care.
• Food from home. Packed lunches and the fruit or vegetable snack contribution come from families. If your child has an allergy, confirm current food-handling arrangements before choosing their lunch and snack.
• A committee-led community. Volunteers oversee the charity, and fundraising supports equipment and additional activities. Consider whether events or committee involvement would be a welcome part of family life.

Little Dragons suits families seeking play-led preschool for two- to four-year-olds within the school-term calendar. Free movement outdoors, an online learning journal and recognisable family events give the offer substance. Its June 2023 Outstanding judgement adds a strong inspection position, while the weekday opening pattern requires careful planning around Friday afternoons and holidays.

The community element is a real part of the choice. This is a volunteer-overseen charity where family participation supports the setting, alongside the everyday work of practitioners.