Conkers Preschool

In May 2025, emotion cards on the wall and a number line children balanced on gave play at Conkers Preschool practical links to feelings and numbers. At its May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) worked effectively.

Based in Sindlesham, Wokingham, the preschool has 18 places in total. In May 2025, the children attending were aged two to four, and small attendance numbers helped keep the atmosphere calm.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning and care, bringing together play, communication, physical development and social learning. In May 2025, learning through play shaped activities at Conkers: children assembled train tracks together, explored animal diets and played with dolls.

Activities had different purposes for different stages. In May 2025, younger children concentrated on conversation and social skills; older children practised managing personal tasks, controlling a pencil and respecting game rules. These activities gave school preparation a practical emphasis.

Number learning involved movement as well as counting. In May 2025, children arranged a number line in sequence and balanced along it, linking written numbers with their order. Daily stories and singing gave language another route into play, while conversations allowed children to contribute their own ideas.

In May 2025, children formed close relationships with staff and settled readily into activities. Adults joined their play, demonstrated ideas and introduced vocabulary, giving children support while leaving room for independent choices.

Emotion cards were a concrete tool for relationships. In May 2025, children took cards from the wall to explain feelings to friends, while a timer helped them share popular dolls. These routines made feelings and turn-taking part of everyday play. Additional funding also supported sensory activities through extra consumable resources.

The address is The Gate Sindlesham, 1 Bearwood Road, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5BB.

In May 2025, opening hours were 9am to 3pm on weekdays during term time. At that time, the preschool received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. That attendance pattern placed its provision within the daytime term-time routine.

• Learning across settings. In May 2025, coordination with other childcare settings needed strengthening. Families using more than one setting should ask how learning information is now shared.
• Staff development. In May 2025, coaching and mentoring needed more structure so staff could assume greater responsibility and managers could delegate more. This was a development priority alongside the Good judgement.
• Term-time planning. The May 2025 opening pattern was weekdays, 9am to 3pm, during term time. Does the current attendance arrangement fit your family's working day and holiday needs?

Conkers suits families drawn to a small preschool where play connects language, numbers and social skills. Its May 2025 provision centred on term-time daytime attendance, with practical preparation for school woven into activities. The Good judgement gives a positive inspection position, balanced by clear priorities for coordination with other settings and staff development.