Lilliput Preschool

Gingerbread recipes, water experiments and a rope swing give Lilliput Preschool’s May 2024 learning experiences a practical character. Children followed an interest in a story into ingredient lists and baking, connecting imaginative play with early writing and investigation.

On Military Road in Canterbury, the preschool has 26 places in total for children aged two to five. At its 20 May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall. The useful detail lies in the activities and relationships beneath that judgement, alongside two specific areas requiring attention.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care: here, the May 2024 examples included writing through play, exploring materials and developing movement skills. Children investigated floating, sinking and water absorption, giving them concrete experiences to talk about rather than concepts to memorise.

During May 2024, outdoor learning could continue throughout the day for children who preferred it. Planks and crates became balancing obstacles, while a rope swing added another physical challenge. That flexibility mattered for children whose interests drew them outside.

Language also reached beyond familiar vocabulary. In May 2024, children explored greetings in Kurdish and Albanian. Staff had undertaken communication training and used activities and resources to encourage children to express their needs and ideas, including those learning English as an additional language.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children making good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, supported through work with speech and language therapists and tools such as visual cues and timelines. These are concrete support mechanisms rather than a general promise of inclusion.

In May 2024, staff knew children’s preferences and built trusting relationships that helped them settle. Children helped one another clear away and practised hygiene routines independently. Parents received updates about learning and what would come next, alongside suggestions such as healthy eating tips.

Daily team reflection informed subsequent practice in May 2024. Additional funding had also bought outdoor equipment to develop physical skills. However, staff positioning sometimes delayed children getting help to join activities, and communication with other settings children attended was inconsistent. Those weaknesses matter for both participation and continuity of care.

The address is Military Road, Canterbury, CT1 1PA. Opening hours are 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure during school holidays. This calendar suits families whose childcare needs follow school terms; holiday care needs a separate plan.

In May 2024, the preschool received funding for free early education for three- and four-year-olds. That dated participation should be kept separate from a family’s present entitlement and attendance arrangements.

• Term-time calendar. School-holiday closures are part of the operating pattern. Families needing care throughout the year must account for those breaks.
• Support during activities. In May 2024, staff positioning sometimes slowed children’s access to guidance. At a visit, ask how practitioners organise themselves during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Shared care. Communication with other settings was inconsistent in May 2024. If your child attends elsewhere too, ask how learning information is exchanged now.

Lilliput suits families seeking term-time preschool care and interested in practical, play-based learning. Its May 2024 examples connect stories, investigation, movement and communication. The two improvement points deserve attention: how quickly children receive help during activities, and how reliably staff coordinate care with another setting.