St Mark's Preschool

Tyres rolling down a slope, stories prompting conversation and children serving themselves fruit: the December 2022 picture of St Mark's Preschool centres on hands-on play and growing independence. This Gillingham setting has capacity for 34 children. Ofsted graded it Good on 9 December 2022.

Children attending at that visit were aged two to three. The strongest practical distinction in that snapshot was a short, term-time opening window, rather than an all-day offer. The learning priorities also deserve attention: extending older children's thinking and making mathematics more purposeful.

In December 2022, activities followed children's interests and existing abilities. The early years foundation stage is the required framework for learning, development and care; here, its everyday expression included play, conversation, physical activity and practising independence. Stories gave children opportunities to predict what might happen next, while dough-making introduced vocabulary through something they could handle.

Outside, the December 2022 activities included rolling tyres down a slope and using a climbing frame. Indoors, cutting pictures for artwork gave children practice with scissors, with help when needed. These were concrete opportunities to try movements and tools, rather than simply watch an adult demonstrate.

The same visit exposed a limit to adult-led learning. Older children talking about toothbrushing were not consistently prompted to explore the reasons behind it. Mathematics needed development too: children counted bears on weighing scales, but adults sometimes completed the next step instead of letting children investigate the relationship between number, quantity and measurement.

At its December 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective and found good progress among children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. In December 2022, the special educational needs coordinator linked parents, external agencies and each child's key person, giving support a shared point of coordination.

Daily routines at that visit included handwashing before food, serving fruit and vegetables, and attempting to get dressed independently. Mealtime conversations introduced healthy eating. Staff also provided comfort and help when children sought them out.

Communication in December 2022 combined conversations with parents, emails and newsletters about learning and preschool events. Staff supervision and individual meetings provided opportunities to discuss workload and reflect on practice. These details describe the care arrangements at that time.

The address is c/o St. Mark's Church Office, The Old Vicarage, Vicarage Road, Gillingham, ME7 5JA.

In December 2022, the preschool operated in a church hall and opened Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 12.15pm, during term time. At that time, it received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. These are dated operating arrangements, rather than a current booking offer.

• Older children's learning. December 2022 adult-led activities did not consistently take older children's thinking further. Look for explanations and follow-up discussion alongside practical tasks.
• Mathematical exploration. The December 2022 improvement priorities included a clearer mathematics curriculum and more teaching opportunities. Counting alone was not the issue: children also needed opportunities to investigate quantities and measurements themselves.
• Attendance pattern. The December 2022 opening hours were weekday mornings in term time. What attendance arrangements now apply for your child's age?

For families who value conversation, practical play and increasing independence, the December 2022 account offers useful substance. Its appeal lies in ordinary activities made meaningful: discussing stories, handling tools and taking responsibility at mealtimes. The balance is clear, with older children's challenge and mathematical exploration the areas requiring closer attention.