Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm
Alphabets Preschool
Ofsted: Good
(Mar 2024)
Number of places
26 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Mar 2024
Local authority
Hampshire
About this day nursery
Alphabets Preschool, a charitable organisation, has been an integral part of the Botley community for over four decades, offering a nurturing and engaging environment for young children. Their philosophy centres on learning through play, fostering individual growth and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
The preschool prides itself on its dedicated and qualified staff who support each child in reaching their full potential at their own pace. The facilities include a spacious and secure outdoor area with artificial grass, a climbing frame, and a sheltered spot, allowing for continuous free-flow play regardless of the weather.
Alphabets Preschool caters to children between two and five years old, providing both morning and afternoon sessions throughout the week.
Our ethos
Alphabets Preschool's philosophy centres on learning through play, fostering individual growth and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. They are committed to supporting each child in reaching their full potential at their own pace.
What it's like
Children arrive happy and settle quickly as staff build strong relationships and follow their interests, planning engaging activities such as growing vegetables and a role-play garden centre. Staff have high expectations and support children's independence and language development, and children enjoy sensory play and focused activities that develop their coordination and core skills.
Charity-runLearning through playSpacious garden
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Request pricing →Key facts
Age range
2 to 5 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Session types
Morning sessions, Afternoon sessions
Established
1990
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Alphabets Preschool
Last inspected 25 March 2024 · Kelli Wiseman
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children arrive happy and settle quickly as staff build strong relationships and follow their interests, planning engaging activities such as growing vegetables and a role-play garden centre. Staff have high expectations and support children's independence and language development, and children enjoy sensory play and focused activities that develop their coordination and core skills.
Inspector highlights
- Children settle quickly and are happy to attend
- Staff follow children's interests and provide engaging activities
- SENCo provides timely referrals and works with parents and professionals to plan targeted support
- Children have good opportunities to develop physical and fine-motor skills
- Strong partnerships with parents and regular communication about children's progress
Areas to develop
- 1support staff to consistently help children to understand the expectations for their behaviour and the impact of this on others
- 2sharpen arrangements for monitoring staff practice, to enable more-focused support on enhancing their teaching skills further.
Inspection #10334486 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) makes timely referrals and works alongside parents, staff and other professionals to create targeted, achievable plans to support children's learning and development.
Outdoor space
Children have space to run, climb, balance and negotiate space, which develops their core muscle skills. They also take part in more-focused activities, such as mark making, threading and using scissors, to develop coordination and muscle control for early writing.
Parent Reviews of Alphabets Preschool
3.8
(10)
Amie Fernandez
10 months ago
I have had 2 children go here for the last few years and I cannot recommend it enough. The staff are lovely and brilliant at what they do. Nothing is too much trouble, parents are updated regularly & the actual building and set up is great. There is a little garden, plenty of activities and toys and my kids adored attending. I thoroughly recommend to everyone about going here and I am sad our Alphabets journey is over.
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Jo K
2 years ago
A really lovely local preschool with wonderful staff. The outdoor play area is excellent and the children often go to the play area outside the front of the preschool. My granddaughter loved going to Alphabets and as a family we always felt that she was safe and well cared for. She spent her time having fun but also learning. She recently 'graduated' and the staff made a special effort making her a certificate and giving her a book.
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Sophie Cheyne
7 years ago
My son (2 years old) started in Nov 18, and absolutely loves going to Alphabets and gets upset on days he doesn't go. All the staff are so kind and caring and they have gone the extra mile to help my son thrive in their care. My son has made some great friends and has developed so much all ready. Fantastic Preschool.
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Marian Williams
7 years ago
My youngest goes to alphabets and has done for about 18 months. He really enjoys going and loves telling me about what he gets up to each day. The preschool has a lovely outdoor area with lots of different activities for the kids - this seems to be his favourite! I've found the staff to be very good, particularly with keeping me informed through tapestry with what he's been doing and how he's been developing. There are regular invitations for one to one consultations with his key worker in the preschool so I can see him and their interactions with him in the setting and get updates on his time there. We'll both be very sad to say goodbye when he goes to school!
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Ruth Atwell
7 years ago
My eldest child started here in 2016. He loved his time at alphabets. The staff are amazing and really helped to prepare him for school. My youngest child now goes here. She loves it too. The facilities are brilliant especially the garden area. She keeps asking to go on non alphabets days! This is a fantastic pre school.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Alphabets Preschool. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: February 2010
- March 2024Good
- June 2018Good
- June 2015Good
- February 2010Good
Frequently asked about Alphabets Preschool
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