Little Explorers Kindergarten The Hive

In May 2023, community flower beds, vegetable creations and stories taken home gave Little Explorers Kindergarten The Hive a recognisable character. This Northfleet setting has capacity for 26 children. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding overall.

The children attending in May 2023 were aged two to four. That dated picture centres on practical exploration, language and close relationships with staff, rather than a catalogue of branded programmes.

In May 2023, learning included building large structures together, exploring cassava and describing ice. Staff introduced vocabulary through activities and gave children opportunities to use the new words. These examples connect conversation with things children can handle and investigate.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2023 activities illustrate learning through play: children pressed herbs into dough, then used pasta and vegetables to make characters from books. Work with hands and fingers formed part of the sequence towards writing.

Outdoor experiences also had a community dimension in May 2023. Children helped care for flowers in communal beds. During physical play, staff helped them think about steps, space and other children as they experimented with movement. This joined practical responsibility with opportunities to judge risk.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including access to professionals at the setting.

In May 2023, children developed affectionate relationships with their key staff members. Parents received information about their children's development and resources for learning at home, including story bags with audio stories. Those bags gave families a concrete way to continue shared reading beyond the kindergarten.

Staff support mattered too. In May 2023, the manager accommodated staff's professional and personal needs and recognised their contributions. The account connects attention to the adults with the care children received.

The address is Unit 2 & 3 The Hive, Northfleet, Gravesend, Kent DA11 9DE.

In May 2023, opening hours were 9am to midday, Monday to Friday, during term time. The setting also received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. These are inspection-era arrangements.

• Morning attendance. The May 2023 timetable ended at midday and followed school terms. Families planning care around work should establish whether today's attendance arrangements fit their week.
• Support in practice. On-site professional input was part of the May 2023 support for children with additional needs. Discuss how that approach would translate into a plan for your child.

The Hive suits families drawn to practical play, community involvement and reading shared between home and kindergarten. Its May 2023 picture is especially relevant to parents considering a term-time morning arrangement. The strongest decision value lies in the concrete examples: tending flowers, making story characters and using new vocabulary during exploration.