Kids Planet Springfield

Water play, a sensory garden and practical help for families give Kids Planet Springfield its character. This Spondon setting has 48 places in total, with a May 2026 account of children learning through movement, storytelling and increasingly independent routines.

At its May 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged inclusion Strong standard, the other five assessed areas Expected standard, and safeguarding standards met. Those area judgements matter more than a single headline: support for individual needs was the strongest element, while language teaching and learning about healthy lifestyles needed more consistency.

In May 2026, children attending were aged 2 to 4. The EYFS sets the framework for their learning, development and care; here, the inspection-time examples included counting objects, experimenting with paint and practising physical skills outdoors.

During that month, water play gave children opportunities to pour and empty containers, while pipettes added finer hand movements to potion-making. Crates and planks became balance challenges. These were practical ways to combine physical coordination with testing ideas, rather than treating learning as a seated activity.

Storytelling also moved outdoors in May 2026. Children acted out Bear Hunt in the garden and then drew bears with chalk, connecting the story's sequence with their own pictures. A trip to the local sensory garden prompted children to talk about seeing a squirrel. Makaton was used to help children communicate their needs, alongside small-group language work in a quieter space.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that staff identified additional needs early, worked with families and external professionals, and regularly reviewed individual target plans. Home visits were part of that support, giving families a route into help while referrals were underway.

In May 2026, children sought reassurance from their key person, who also helped them move between outdoor play and mealtimes. Pictures introduced feelings such as happiness and tiredness; preschool children could explain their emotions. This made emotional language part of ordinary routines.

Family support that month extended beyond conversations about development. A food bank, nappy bank and take-home books addressed practical needs, while calming bags offered activities such as bubble-blowing and smelling lavender to practise at home. Parents also received children's next steps and activities to continue their learning.

Eating and sleeping were supervised in May 2026, and a hot meal was offered to every child each day. Mealtimes supported manners and social interaction, although opportunities for children to choose healthy food varied at snacks and meals, and staff inconsistently explained why healthy choices matter.

The address is Springfield Primary School, West Road, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7AB. In May 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm. These are opening hours, rather than a description of bookable sessions.

School preparation in May 2026 included using scissors, managing belongings and changing clothes after water play. The emphasis was on useful independence alongside early learning.

• Language teaching. In May 2026, some questioning restricted children's conversations. Ask how staff now encourage children to explain their ideas and sustain exchanges.
• Healthy choices. In May 2026, staff did not consistently explain why food and exercise choices matter. Ask how this learning is built into snacks, meals and outdoor play.
• Attendance and costs. Before joining, ask which booking patterns fit your week and request a written quotation covering funded hours, meals and consumables.

Kids Planet Springfield merits consideration for families who value practical play and individualised support. Its May 2026 strengths lay in inclusion, family relationships and everyday independence. The decision should also take account of the two clear development priorities: richer conversations and more consistent teaching about healthy choices.