Crestway Pre-School

Real vegetables, insect searches and a boat structure give Crestway Pre-School's February 2026 learning experiences a practical character. Children investigated an onion, compared insects beneath logs and worked together on a ramp. These examples make the connection between play, conversation and problem-solving tangible.

At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard in achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance, with safeguarding standards met. These are separate judgements, rather than an overall grade.

The setting accepts children aged 24 to 60 months and has 35 places in total. Its base is The Community Centre on Stonecross Lea in Chatham.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play supports learning alongside everyday routines and personal development. In February 2026, staff built activities around children's existing experiences, extending cooking and tasting into exploration with real food.

An onion became an opportunity to investigate layers, smell and watering eyes. Conversations about the Winter Olympics connected new vocabulary with children's own experiences of ice skating. For families, these examples show how ordinary interests can become substantial learning opportunities.

The forest area supported exploration and imaginative play in February 2026. Children searched beneath logs for insects, while a boat structure prompted collaborative construction with wooden planks. Staff helped children think about risks as they climbed, dug and balanced. Outdoor activity involved decisions as well as movement.

In February 2026, children formed close bonds with their key person. Everyday independence included serving snacks, washing hands and putting on coats, while conversations about feelings helped children recognise emotions and consider their effect on others.

Support began with detailed assessments when children joined. In February 2026, staff used signs alongside key words for children who could not communicate verbally and collaborated with families and professionals supporting each child's care. These are concrete support mechanisms for families to consider.

Parent events and resources for learning at home connected nursery experiences with family life in February 2026. Staff training also addressed children's language development. Attendance monitoring included following up unexplained absences, helping staff identify where families might need support.

The address is The Community Centre, Stonecross Lea, Chatham, ME5 0BL. Attendance runs during term time, with closure during school holidays. Families whose childcare needs continue through those holidays need to factor that calendar into their plans.

• Holiday cover. Crestway closes during school holidays. This matters for families needing childcare throughout the year.
• Daily arrangements. With term-time attendance forming the practical starting point, ask at a visit which booking patterns and opening times would apply to your child.
• Support beyond the starting point. In February 2026, Ofsted's next step was to sustain high standards while pursuing greater impact for disadvantaged children, children with SEND, those connected with social care and children facing other barriers. Families needing additional support should weigh this continuing priority alongside the assessment and communication practices described above.

Crestway suits families seeking term-time early education with practical exploration and opportunities to develop independence. The February 2026 examples give that judgement substance: food investigation, outdoor construction and communication support each serve a clear purpose. Its holiday calendar is an equally important part of the decision.