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Dorchester on Thames Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2024)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·Horsa Hut, Dorchester St. Birinus School, WALLINGFORD, OX10 7HR · Oxfordshire
Number of places
20 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2024
Local authority
Oxfordshire

About this day nursery

Dorchester-on-Thames Pre-School is a nurturing and engaging early learning environment situated in the attractive village of Dorchester-on-Thames. Catering to children aged 2 to 4 years old, the pre-school prides itself on fostering a secure and friendly atmosphere with a strong emphasis on personalised attention for each child.

The facility features a dedicated building, a vibrant outdoor play area, and a garden, all conveniently located adjacent to St Birinus Primary School. The pre-school operates Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm during term time, which spans 38 weeks of the year.

Parents are encouraged to visit the pre-school to experience its welcoming environment firsthand and meet the dedicated team. The pre-school is a registered charity and supports government funding schemes to help families with childcare costs.

What it's like

Children are happy and enjoy their time at the pre-school, showing confidence and feeling safe with the kind and dedicated staff. They are eager to learn and engage in activities like puppet play and outdoor physical activities. Staff effectively support children's independence, communication, and social skills through praise and consistent discussions.

Small and welcoming settingFocus on individual attentionAdjacent to Primary SchoolRegistered Charity

Pricing & funding

Fees are based on hourly rates that vary by age group, with separate structures for two-year-olds and three-to-four-year-olds. Parents can book morning, afternoon, or lunch club sessions individually, or combine them for a full day. An early morning drop-off is also available.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
  • Early morning drop off (8:45-9am)£2.50 / session
  • 3/4 year olds hourly rate£6.50 / hour
  • 3/4 year olds morning session (3 hours)£19.50 / session
  • 3/4 year olds lunch club (1 hour)£6.50 / session
  • 3/4 year olds afternoon session (2 hours)£13.00 / session

Good to know

  • A £25 deposit is required to reserve a child's space.
  • Invoices are sent out termly.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm for 38 weeks of the year

Age range

2 – 4 year olds

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

half day, full day, lunch club

Established

1993

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Dorchester on Thames Pre-School

Last inspected 7 February 2024 · Tracy Bartholomew

Safeguarding effective
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 are happy and enjoy their time at the pre-school, showing confidence and feeling safe with the kind and dedicated staff. They are eager to learn and engage in activities like puppet play and outdoor physical activities. Staff effectively support children's independence, communication, and social skills through praise and consistent discussions.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are happy and confident, enjoying their time with kind and dedicated staff.
  • Staff effectively embed the curriculum, maximising learning opportunities through engaging activities.
  • The environment is rich in language, with staff communicating consistently and reading stories enthusiastically.
  • Children learn to follow a healthy lifestyle, with staff encouraging independence and good dental hygiene.
  • Strong partnerships with parents and other professionals ensure effective support for children's needs and transitions.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to understand the importance of giving children the time they need to think about, and answer, questions to enable them to speculate, test their ideas and challenge their thinking
  • 2review the organisation of the snack time routine, to ensure that all children stay focused on purposeful learning.
Inspection #10312164 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment positively about the pre-school, staff and how their children are progressing.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Partnerships with parents and other professionals involved with children are strong. Staff ensure they obtain a good amount of information from parents when children first start. This helps to promote continuity in meeting children's needs.

Outdoor space

Outside, children have many opportunities to build on their larger physical skills, as they climb on apparatus and use wheeled ride-on toys.

Parent Reviews of Dorchester on Thames Pre-School

5.0
(2)

Reviews from Google for Dorchester on Thames Pre-School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: June 2009

  • February 2024Good
  • April 2018Good
  • June 2015Good
  • June 2009Outstanding

Frequently asked about Dorchester on Thames Pre-School

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