Devon Close Preschool

In March 2024, frozen dinosaur eggs, experiments with magnets and animated storytelling gave Devon Close Preschool a recognisable character: play became an opportunity to investigate, talk and think. At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Outstanding across all assessed areas.

Based in Tottenham, it has 24 places in total for children aged 24 to 60 months. The strongest practical distinction is its term-time rhythm rather than an extended working-day timetable.

In March 2024, children explored freezing and melting through dinosaur-themed play, making predictions as adults introduced language to explain the changes. Magnets offered another route into investigation. Painting, drawing, writing and modelling with play dough gave children different ways to develop ideas and use their hands.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the March 2024 examples show learning through play, conversation and practical exploration. Storytelling involved recalling details and discussing favourite animals, giving children opportunities to listen and contribute rather than simply hear a story.

Outdoor play had substance too. In March 2024, the garden contained a mud kitchen and sand pit, while medical role play introduced the purpose of instruments such as a thermometer. Adults joined the imaginative play and helped children connect unfamiliar words with what the tools did.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, strong progress from children's starting points, and teaching adapted to different ages and abilities, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language.

In March 2024, staff used reminders about routines and behaviour, alongside an emphasis on kindness and respect. Close relationships with families supported children's learning. Cultural activities drew on families' backgrounds, including making paper flowers for a Romanian spring tradition: parents' experiences helped shape what children explored.

Health education was practical. In March 2024, children investigated how fizzy drinks and juice affect teeth, with a dentist's visit reinforcing toothbrushing. Staff also reviewed their work regularly and undertook relevant training, keeping attention on how they taught and supported children.

The address is Devon Close, Tottenham, London, N17 9HR. Opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday during term time, with closure during school holidays. That calendar is a central consideration for families planning childcare around work.

In March 2024, the preschool received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of an individual funded place.

• Term-time calendar. The preschool closes during school holidays, and the day ends at 3pm. Families needing care beyond those periods will need a plan that covers them.
• Teaching through investigation. The March 2024 activities combined practical experiments with adult conversation. During a visit, ask how that approach is adapted to your child's interests and stage of development.
• Funding and everyday costs. Funded early education formed part of the March 2024 offer. What would your child's attendance arrangement include, and how would meals and consumables be handled?

Devon Close Preschool suits families seeking term-time care within a school-day timetable. In March 2024, its play-based experience involved substantial adult participation, with strengths in language, investigation and work with families. The practical fit turns on the 3pm finish and school-holiday closure.