Jumping Jacks Preschool, Out of School Club & Baby Unit

Guinea pigs, bug hunts and maps to the beach give Jumping Jacks its character in the March 2024 account of daily life. Based at The Tower Theatre in Folkestone, the setting accepts children aged 0 to 60 months and has capacity for 49 children.

At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The detail matters: children had practical opportunities to talk, explore and help, alongside clear improvements needed in staff positioning, conversation and independence.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play supports communication, physical development and relationships. In March 2024, activities drew on children's interests, with map-making prompting conversations about finding the beach and magnifying glasses helping children examine insects.

Babies explored a tray of gloop and practised balancing and climbing on soft-play equipment. Older children made fans while exploring their interest in Chinese New Year. These examples show how different interests and stages shaped the activities at that time.

Room bears went home regularly in March 2024, giving children adventures to recount afterwards. Feeding guinea pigs and helping count the children also brought responsibility into everyday play. Learning had tangible subjects to talk about.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND made good progress, staff sought advice from relevant agencies, and communication with parents worked well. Information sharing with partners also supported the move to school.

In March 2024, bottles representing emotions helped children recognise their feelings. Staff learnt words in children's home languages to help them settle, and timers supported turn-taking. These were concrete ways to make feelings, communication and sharing easier to understand.

The address is The Tower Theatre, North Road, Folkestone, CT20 3HL. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank holidays and two weeks at Christmas closed.

In March 2024, the setting received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position rather than a promise of eligibility or a particular attendance arrangement.

• Adult involvement in play. In March 2024, staff positioning sometimes left opportunities to join children's learning unused, and conversations could have developed language further. During a visit, ask how practitioners decide when to step in and extend an activity.
• Independence. In March 2024, adults sometimes completed tasks older children could attempt themselves. Ask how everyday routines now give children time to practise self-care.
• Attendance arrangements. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays. Which booking pattern would fit your child's routine and your family's working hours?

Jumping Jacks suits families who value practical, interest-led play, with animals, outdoor exploration and home-linked storytelling prominent in its March 2024 account. Its Good judgement provides a useful starting point. The decision should also weigh how staff now extend conversations, organise their involvement in play and encourage children to do things for themselves.