Star Kids Children's Nursery

Ribbons for action songs, models made from recycled materials and trips to the local library give Star Kids Children's Nursery a recognisable character. These were features of daily life in November 2023, with conversation and practical play running through the activities.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 15 November 2023 inspection. The setting caters for children aged six to 60 months at 31 - 33 Hythe Street, Dartford, DA1 1BE.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play supports language, physical skills and growing independence. In November 2023, babies played peekaboo with staff, while older children explored vegetables and talked about their ingredients. Everyday materials gave children something concrete to discuss.

Play dough became pretend cupcakes, bringing shapes, sizes and cooking time into conversation. Recycled materials became models that children displayed. Books were plentiful, and regular local library outings included stories and rhymes, extending reading beyond the nursery.

The physical details were modest but useful. A water station gave children opportunities to fill cups and tackle lids themselves. An egg and spoon race brought balance into play. These examples show the activities available at that time rather than a fixed timetable.

At the November 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described support involving simple signs, families and external agencies for children needing additional help, including preparation for school. This combined communication support with help beyond the nursery.

In November 2023, parents had regular forums with senior staff to contribute ideas, alongside guidance for supporting learning at home. Staff also had supervision opportunities to discuss their own development. Children practised caring for others through washing dolls, with adults talking them through gentle handling.

Daily risk assessments and rehearsed fire evacuations formed part of the safeguarding arrangements at that time. Staff had training in recognising abuse and knew how to raise concerns about children or colleagues.

The address is 31 - 33 Hythe Street, Dartford, DA1 1BE. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across 51 weeks of the year.

In November 2023, the nursery received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position, rather than a promise of entitlement for an individual family.

• Engagement throughout the day. In November 2023, staff sometimes missed children whose attention had drifted, affecting their opportunities to progress. How do practitioners now recognise and support those children?
• Communication with families. Regular parent forums were part of the November 2023 arrangements. For parents who value contributing ideas, this is a useful aspect of the nursery's approach at that time.

Star Kids suits parents who value learning through conversation, books and hands-on activities. Its November 2023 provision included library outings, creative model-making and practical independence. The Good judgement provides a positive inspection position, balanced by a specific concern about noticing children who were less involved in learning.