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Dalton Pre-School Nursery

Ofsted: Urgent improvement·Block 104, Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, OX13 6JB · Oxfordshire
Number of places
60 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2026
Local authority
Oxfordshire

About this day nursery

Dalton Pre-School Nursery, established in 1993, operates from premises within Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, offering childcare for children aged 0-4 years. 45am to 3pm during term-time, the nursery provides a stimulating environment where children settle well and develop positive relationships with both staff and peers.

The setting prides itself on knowing children's individual needs thoroughly and valuing their diverse backgrounds, fostering confidence, strong language skills, and an awareness of self-care. Staff effectively use picture cards to aid communication for children requiring additional support, and respond swiftly to developmental concerns by collaborating with parents and other professionals.

Children, including babies, enjoy frequent access to individual garden areas and local walks, promoting active and energetic play that supports physical development. The nursery is registered to accept funding for free early education for two, three, and four-year-olds, and employs 18 staff members, with a manager holding a Level 3 qualification and 13 other staff holding recognised early years qualifications.

What it's like

Children settle well, enjoying their time at nursery and forming positive relationships with staff and peers. Staff securely know children's individual needs and value their backgrounds. Children develop confidence, good language skills, and an awareness of self-care and their environment.

Settle wellPositive relationshipsOutdoor accessEnergetic activitiesStrong SEND support

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (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.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Monday-Thursday: 07:45 – 17:15; Friday: 07:45 – 15:00

Session types

Extended day care, Full day care, Breakfast session, Morning session, Lunch session, Afternoon session

Age range

0 months - 4 years

Term time / All Year

Term_time_only

Established

1993

Ofsted Inspection — new report card

Urgent improvement

Last inspected Apr 2026

Headline: Urgent improvement

Grade summary

Exceptional
—
Strong standard
—
Expected standard
—
Needs attention
Urgent improvement

Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.

Category grades

AchievementNeeds attention
Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routinesUrgent improvement
Children's welfare and wellbeingUrgent improvement
Curriculum and teachingNeeds attention
InclusionNeeds attention
Leadership and governanceUrgent improvement
Age range
0 to 4
Registers
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Dalton Pre-School Nursery

Last inspected 28 April 2026

Safeguarding effective

What it's like to attend

Children settle well, enjoying their time at nursery and forming positive relationships with staff and peers. Staff securely know children's individual needs and value their backgrounds. Children develop confidence, good language skills, and an awareness of self-care and their environment.

Inspector highlights

  • Children settle well and form positive relationships with staff and peers.
  • Staff gather good information on children's individual needs and respond quickly to developmental concerns.
  • Children have frequent access to the outdoors and partake in energetic activities.
  • Staff provide good role models and encourage healthy choices.
  • There have been positive improvements in management, including increased committee involvement in quality monitoring and staff suitability checks.

Areas to develop

  • 1Monitor staff practice more precisely to ensure curriculum is implemented as effectively as possible, building on children's knowledge and skills.
  • 2Support staff to recognise the needs of the most-able children and ensure sufficient challenge is offered to them to extend their learning further.
Inspection #10202663 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children who need extra help in their learning receive appropriate support. For example, staff use picture cards to help promote communication with them. Staff are quick to respond to any concerns about children's development. They work with parents and gain advice from other professionals to help them support children's individual learning needs. Additional funding is used well, including providing staff to give one-to-one support to children to help them progress in their development.

Outdoor space

All children, including babies, have frequent access to the outdoors, including individual garden areas for each room. Staff take children on local walks to help them learn about the world. Children take part in activities indoors and outside that encourage them to be energetic and active, using equipment that supports muscle development and physical skills, such as climbing and balancing.

Inspection history

Date: September 2012

The most recent inspection point has been hidden because the parsed entry didn't match the headline Ofsted rating (Good). We're re-checking it against the original report.

  • October 2021Good
  • September 2021Good
  • November 2016Good
  • November 2016Good
  • December 2013Good
  • November 2013Good
  • October 2012Good
  • September 2012Good

Frequently asked about Dalton Pre-School Nursery

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