A PRESCHOOL in Oxford has been advised by Ofsted to sharpen its focus and improve teaching standards.

Mortimer Hall in Old Marston, a community centre partly used as a preschool, has been rated 'requires improvement' by the education regulator.

It currently teaches 42 youngsters aged two-four, and was previously rated 'good' following its last inspection in 2015.

An inspector visited the preschool in February and decided standards have slipped since then, though she noted children remained happy there.

A report published by Ofsted on Saturday said: ""Staff do not always place a sharp enough focus on targeting the individual needs of every child.

"Due to some weaknesses in the quality of training, teaching and assessment, not all children are challenged in their learning to make the best possible progress."

The report also highlighted many positives, however.

It stated: " There are good links with the local school to ensure continuity of children's care and learning needs.

"Children build strong emotional attachments with their key person.

"This has a positive impact on the way children develop their independence.

" Children's health and physical development are promoted well."

The preschool was rated 'requires improvement', Ofsted's second-lowest standard, in three of four assessment categories.

Personal development, behaviour and welfare was rated 'good', however.

The preschool is run by Mortimer Hall Pre-School CIO.