Chalk Village Preschool

Cardboard telescopes, garden daffodils and a story brought to life through movement give Chalk Village Preschool its character in February 2024: everyday materials became opportunities to imagine, count and listen. Based at Chalk Parish Hall in Chalk, Gravesend, the preschool has 36 places in total.

At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and reported progress among children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children attending then were aged two to four. The practical picture is of a sessional preschool, with the educational detail best understood through that dated account.

In February 2024, children chose between dough, dressing up and imaginative play. We're Going on a Bear Hunt became a movement activity, with children acting out part of the story rather than simply listening. This gave them a concrete way to participate in a shared book.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: here, its February 2024 examples included learning through play, conversation and physical activity. Staff used observations and assessments to plan around children's developing skills, including language, by talking about what children were doing.

Children rode tricycles outdoors and practised balancing on low beams, offering different physical challenges. An interest in growing daffodils led to painting and counting petals. Dough modelling added practice in handling materials and following instructions. These examples connect movement, language and early counting to things children could touch and explore.

In February 2024, children who struggled to settle received comfort and time. Parents knew their child's key person, giving them an identifiable contact for care and communication.

The special educational needs coordinator worked alongside staff and external agencies, reviewing individual support plans and sharing strategies. That arrangement connected the adults involved in a child's development rather than leaving support within one conversation.

Snack time also gave children practical responsibilities: they peeled fruit and poured milk or water themselves, with handwashing reminders. Independence was practised through manageable tasks.

The address is Chalk Parish Hall, Chalk Road, Chalk, Gravesend, DA12 2ND. In February 2024, opening hours were 9am to noon on weekdays, continuing until 1pm on Wednesdays. That was a morning-based timetable with a longer Wednesday opening.

At that time, the preschool received early education funding for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of its funding participation and opening hours.

• Staff development. In February 2024, monitoring needed a clearer emphasis on specific improvements in practice. Families should weigh this alongside the positive overall judgement.
• Learning at home. In February 2024, most parents knew about activities but needed clearer explanations of the skills being developed. More precise communication would help families extend learning beyond preschool.
• Attendance planning. The February 2024 timetable centred on mornings, with Wednesday extending into lunchtime. Which current attendance arrangement would fit your family's week?

Chalk Village Preschool suits families drawn to a sessional preschool experience built around imaginative play, practical independence and outdoor movement. Its February 2024 account gives concrete examples of those strengths, balanced by the need for sharper staff monitoring and clearer communication about children's learning. The morning-based timetable is an important part of that dated picture.