Kids United Pre-School

Toy people, vehicles and a strong emphasis on conversation give Kids United Pre-School a recognisable character in its June 2024 account: imaginative play sits alongside deliberate work on language. Based at United Reformed Church on Elgar Avenue in Surbiton, it has capacity for 28 children.

At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four; that is the age range at the visit, rather than a current admissions promise.

In June 2024, adults extended children's vocabulary through questions and modelled speech during group activities. Story reading was another regular part of learning. These experiences gave children opportunities to hear new words and use them in play.

The early years foundation stage is the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its practical expression in June 2024 included exploring shape and pattern, arranging sequences and practising counting. Learning also involved physical activity: clay gave fingers a workout, while large rocking equipment challenged coordination.

Outside, children explored sand and water. Community walks broadened their experience beyond the setting, although no particular destination needs to define their value: the purpose was to learn about their surroundings. Resources were arranged so children could choose their own play.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), made significant educational progress, with staff working alongside speech and language therapists on plans addressing developmental gaps. This combined attention to learning with access to specialist support.

In June 2024, children sought comfort from familiar adults, and staff worked with parents to understand individual care requirements, including eating habits. Teachers were invited to support older children's move to school. That preparation concerned the transition itself.

Behaviour guidance needed greater clarity. In June 2024, adults encouraged sharing and taking turns, but sometimes omitted the explanation behind a rule. Children needed help understanding why a boundary existed, as well as what behaviour was expected.

The address is United Reformed Church, Elgar Avenue, Surbiton, KT5 9JR.

In June 2024, opening hours were 9.15am to 12.15pm on days other than Wednesday, extending to 1.15pm for children staying for lunch. This was a short attendance window, with lunch extending the day rather than an afternoon of care.

In June 2024, the setting received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. This establishes its participation at that time; it does not establish an individual family's entitlement.

• Short attendance window. The June 2024 timetable ended at lunchtime and excluded Wednesday. What attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangement would apply to your child now?
• Explaining boundaries. Clearer explanations of rules were the June 2024 improvement priority. During a visit, look for adults helping children understand the reason for a limit.
• Language in everyday play. Questions, stories and imaginative resources shaped learning in June 2024. A visit offers a useful opportunity to observe how adults make space for children's own conversation.

Kids United Pre-School merits consideration for families drawn to language-rich play and community walks. Its June 2024 offer suited shorter attendance and a lunchtime extension. The strongest decision point is the combination of everyday learning and specialist collaboration, balanced against the need for clearer explanations of behavioural expectations.