Little Acorns

Stick collecting, vegetable printing and children helping friends balance gave Little Acorns a practical, playful character in April 2023. This Chatham setting has capacity for 16 children, with its address at Oaklands Infant School on Weeds Wood Road.

At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and reported good progress for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). A later safeguarding compliance action materially qualifies that assessment.

In April 2023, children turned a story into an activity by gathering sticks and creating their own character. Asparagus became a printing tool for exploring patterns. These experiences connected listening, making and experimenting rather than keeping them separate.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the April 2023 examples included children choosing games, practising independence by putting on boots, and exploring movement through regular yoga sessions.

During that same month, practitioners gave children thinking time before expecting answers and used signing alongside speech. After noticing weaker mathematical development, staff introduced more mathematical vocabulary into activities. The improvement point was breadth: children needed more opportunities to learn about unfamiliar communities, countries and celebrations.

In April 2023, staff worked with external specialists to support children with SEND. An enclosed area with sensory toys gave children somewhere to manage emotions. Children also supported one another during balancing activities, showing how everyday play could include consideration for others.

Daily conversations with parents covered children's experiences in April 2023, but families needed more consistent guidance about the next learning steps and how to extend them at home.

Following a regulatory visit on 15 December 2023, Ofsted required better staff understanding of safeguarding escalation, including allegations involving staff, and more accurate information about children, especially through work with child protection agencies. The compliance notice set 12 January 2024 as the deadline for those actions.

The address is Oaklands Infant School, Weeds Wood Road, Chatham, ME5 0QS. In April 2023, opening hours were 8.50am to 11.50am, Monday to Friday, during term time; the setting received funding for free early education for two-year-olds. Children attending at that time were aged two.

Attendance at a nursery on a school site does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Safeguarding action. The December 2023 notice required changes to escalation procedures and information sharing. Ask how those actions were addressed and embedded in daily practice.
• Learning at home. In April 2023, daily handovers needed stronger guidance on children's next steps. Look for practical examples of how parents now receive that guidance.
• A broader world. The April 2023 improvement point concerned experiences beyond familiar communities and festivals. Consider how activities introduce unfamiliar communities and celebrations today.
• Fit for your child. The April 2023 offer centred on term-time mornings and two-year-olds. At a visit, establish the current accepted ages and attendance arrangements.

Little Acorns merits consideration for families drawn to hands-on play, communication and support for independence. Its April 2023 provision suited families seeking term-time morning attendance. The later safeguarding action carries substantial weight: understanding the response should come before a joining decision.