The Pavilion Pre-School

Two age-group rooms, each with its own outdoor space, give this sessional pre-school a simple and purposeful shape. Ofsted rated it Good in July 2023, finding effective safeguarding and strength in its provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

With capacity for 74 children at Willett Recreation Ground in Petts Wood, the setting combines calm routines with play that develops language, early mathematics and physical coordination.

The July 2023 visit pictured a settled rhythm: children could choose their own play, while planned group moments added structure. Staff narrated play, introduced new vocabulary and used regular stories, helping conversation become part of the day rather than a separate exercise.

The two rooms served different age groups and each had its own outdoor area. Children poured water with pots, ran and chased outside; indoors, they counted pasta pieces, compared lengths and experimented with keys on a house. These concrete tasks connected early number, coordination and curiosity to play.

Ofsted found a clear, well-designed curriculum. The Early Years Foundation Stage develops learning through play and adult guidance across communication, physical, personal and early academic skills. Inspectors also asked leaders to help staff adapt activities more consistently, so every child involved makes as much progress as possible.

Adults responded warmly and guided the social give-and-take of shared play. The July 2023 inspection found SEND provision a strength: the SENCo worked with staff, families and outside professionals to address gaps in development.

Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection. Staff knew how to act on welfare concerns, backed by the setting's checking and safer-recruitment controls. Partnerships with parents and other settings were also strong, helping care and learning remain more consistent.

The pre-school is at Willett Recreation Ground, Crossway, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1PE. The setting can provide its current session pattern and practical terms before an application.

• Session pattern. Check which sessions and days can be booked, whether a minimum attendance applies and whether care runs in term time or across the year. This determines whether the sessional model fits work and family routines.
• Current costs and funding. Obtain a written quotation covering funded hours, private hours, meals, consumables and any registration or notice terms. The detail matters when comparing the full cost of a place.
• Adapting activities. Discuss how staff now recognise when an activity needs changing for children at different stages. This directly follows the point for improvement identified in July 2023.

The Pavilion Pre-School's strongest documented qualities are calm relationships, effective safeguarding, strong SEND practice and learning rooted in talk, stories, number play and outdoor activity. Its two-room, sessional format may suit families seeking a pre-school rather than all-day nursery care, but the unpublished attendance model means parents need to confirm that the available pattern matches their week before deciding.