Play2Talk Kent House

In October 2024, communication shaped Play2Talk Kent House's daily activities: adults used play to encourage language and adapted their responses to individual children. At its October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Good, judged safeguarding effective and found good language progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language.

Based at Westminster Synagogue in London, the nursery has 13 places in total. In October 2024, children attending were aged three to five; that age range describes the children there at the time.

In October 2024, the curriculum followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for learning, development and care: play brought together language, physical development, counting and early literacy. A wooden ramp toy gave children a reason to practise short phrases while moving a ball. Language had a practical purpose.

Scooping and pouring rice encouraged arm movements and exploration of sound. A leaf-sticking activity connected counting with a written number, with staff checking understanding through questions. These were learning opportunities built into play.

During that October, We're Going on a Bear Hunt brought storytelling and sound-making together, while songs and rhymes provided further language practice. Trips to local parks introduced nature experiences that staff carried into activities back at the setting.

In October 2024, adults recognised individual children's signals, including tiredness, and used a quiet space for naps. Familiar relationships helped them respond to needs that children might communicate subtly.

At the same inspection, Ofsted found that close family partnerships and support from specialist staff helped tailor children's experiences, with staff also helping parents use teaching techniques at home. This made the connection between nursery learning and family life a practical part of support.

Handwashing before eating and healthy food choices formed part of daily routines in October 2024. Staff worked with families on children's diets and undertook regular training, including child-protection refreshers.

The address is Westminster Synagogue, Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BX.

In October 2024, opening hours were 9.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays, with the setting operating throughout the year. At that time, it provided government-funded childcare for children aged three and four. These are dated operating arrangements rather than a current booking offer.

• Communication between settings. In October 2024, staff shared their expertise across settings, but information exchange when they moved needed strengthening. Ask how handovers now preserve the details of each child's support.
• Individual communication needs. The October 2024 approach used children's cues and short phrases during play. At a visit, discuss how staff would adapt this approach to your child's communication.

Play2Talk Kent House merits consideration by families who value individual communication support and a close connection between learning at nursery and at home. Its October 2024 strengths were concrete: language practice through play, responsive adults and specialist input. The improvement point concerned continuity when staff moved between settings, an important consideration for families relying on carefully tailored support.