Blendon Preschool

Blendon Preschool's strongest feature is inclusion. At its November 2025 report-card inspection, Ofsted judged inclusion at the strong standard, while achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance all met the expected standard. Safeguarding standards were met.

The setting at St James The Great Church Hall, Bladindon Drive, Bexley, has 24 places in total. Its children were recently organised into separate older and younger groups, allowing teaching to reflect different developmental stages and preparation for school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage supplies the educational programmes and learning goals behind the day: children build communication, physical, personal and early academic skills through guided teaching, play and routines. In November 2025, familiar stories, conversations about storylines, movement and small resources helped develop language and coordination. Children confidently joined discussions and spoke with friends.

Outdoor learning carried real weight. Staff planned around children who preferred learning outside, linking physical development with individual interests. Ofsted found that children made sound progress from their starting points and became confident communicators, but asked leaders to strengthen opportunities for sustained focus during everyday activities.

In November 2025, staff knew children and families well, and the key-person approach created close attachments. Visual prompts helped some children anticipate what would happen next. Inclusion was the standout: needs were identified from the outset, families and outside professionals contributed, and funding supported activities, staffing and resources for disadvantaged children.

Snack time combined care with independence. Children poured their own drinks and helped themselves to snacks, while staff connected fruit and vegetables with foods eaten at home. Safeguarding standards were met at the inspection, with responsibilities fulfilled and concerns identified, acted on and managed.

The preschool is based at St James The Great Church Hall, Bladindon Drive, Bexley, DA5 3BS. Its sessional model makes the practical fit dependent on the particular timetable a family needs.

• Concentration. Ofsted's November 2025 report asked leaders to improve opportunities for children to sustain focus, including when noise levels rise. Families should explore how quieter learning and small-group work now operate.
• Session fit. This is sessional day care. Families should establish whether the current timetable covers the days and portions of the day they require.

Blendon Preschool suits families who value a small setting, separate younger and older groups, outdoor learning and clearly evidenced inclusive practice. The 2025 report card is positive overall, with inclusion reaching the strong standard and safeguarding standards met, though sustained concentration remains the clearest development point. The sessional format will suit families whose required days and hours align with its timetable.