Parkwood Christian Fellowship Preschool

In November 2024, magnifying glasses, insects and a vote for the next story gave Parkwood Christian Fellowship Preschool a recognisable character: learning grew from things children could examine, discuss and choose. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Outstanding.

Based at Parkwood Green, Gillingham, ME8 9PN, the setting has 43 places in total. In November 2024, it operated in a church building and cared for children aged two to four. That age range describes the children attending then.

In November 2024, staff planned activities around children's next steps, discussing opportunities before the day began. An insect investigation combined natural materials with magnifying glasses; adults demonstrated how to examine small details. It gave children something concrete to investigate rather than simply hear about.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its November 2024 application included language work in small groups, new vocabulary introduced during play and links between letters and their sounds. These experiences connected conversation with the beginnings of reading.

Children also voted for a story by putting coins into bowls representing their choices. The activity made collective decision-making tangible. Regular outings took children to the library, local shops and a park; an interest in a Chinese restaurant's decorations prompted learning about Chinese New Year. Children's curiosity helped shape what happened next.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, made exceptional progress and that safeguarding arrangements were effective.

In November 2024, children had close relationships with their key person, while staff helped them handle emotions and act kindly towards others. Staff gathered information from parents when children started, exchanged learning updates daily and shared ideas for activities at home. Parents contributed their own observations, giving staff a fuller picture of each child's development.

Snack time involved children helping themselves to fruit and drinking milk, with procedures addressing dietary needs. A visit from the tooth fairy introduced dental care, linking tooth-cleaning and food choices to everyday health. Management also provided regular staff training and a wellbeing officer to support staff emotionally.

The address is Parkwood Green, Gillingham, ME8 9PN. In November 2024, opening hours were 9am to 2.45pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9am to 1.15pm on Thursday and Friday, during term time.

At that time, the preschool received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. This describes its funding participation at the inspection date.

• Term-time routine. The November 2024 opening pattern had shorter hours on Thursday and Friday. What attendance pattern and funded-hour arrangement would fit your family's week now?
• Language and independence. Small language groups, self-service snacks and story voting were part of daily life in November 2024. During a visit, explore how these experiences would be adapted to your child's communication and confidence.

The provision observed at Parkwood in November 2024 suited families seeking preschool learning built around conversation, practical investigation and growing independence. Its November 2024 Outstanding judgement carries weight, while the examples beneath it give parents useful substance: children investigated insects, made choices together and extended their learning into the local community. For families considering a term-time preschool routine, that inspection provides a historical starting point for assessing the fit.