Paddington Preschool Stage Two

Spring flowers became material for artwork and imaginative play at Paddington Preschool Stage Two, linking outdoor discovery with what children remembered afterwards. This East Grinstead preschool has 22 places in total. At its March 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding across every graded area.

Children attending in March 2025 were aged two to four. The strongest thread through their day was communication: staff used conversation, signing and picture prompts to help children participate in play.

In March 2025, learning followed children's interests and individual targets, with plans adjusted as staff noticed new achievements. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, its inspection-era delivery included stories, number rhymes and practical experiments.

Water play involved predicting which objects would sink and which would float. Weighing objects introduced ideas about weight, while conversations about shapes extended the investigation. These were opportunities to test an idea, rather than simply hear an explanation.

Daily walks supplied another connection between experience and learning. Staff named spring flowers, which children subsequently represented through art and pretend play. Community experiences included listening to musicians and a mosque visit during Ramadan, introducing children to experiences beyond their own households.

At the March 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that safeguarding was effective and that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), made excellent progress through teaching adapted to their needs.

In March 2025, predictable routines helped children build close relationships with staff. Adults offered comfort when feelings became overwhelming and talked children through ways to calm themselves. Signing and visual prompts supported communication, including between children, giving participation a route beyond spoken language alone.

Parents contributed information about interests, abilities and health when learning plans were developed. They also received information about learning and ways to support it at home. Staff helped families pursue additional funding and advice from other professionals. Personal care gave children choices too, including expressing when they needed a nappy change.

The address is The Old Court House, East Court, College Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 3LS.

In March 2025, opening hours were 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during school terms. Government-funded places were offered for children aged two to four, and the preschool received additional funding for disadvantaged children. These are dated operating arrangements, rather than a current attendance offer.

• Term-time planning. The March 2025 opening pattern stopped at 4pm and followed school terms. What are the current attendance arrangements and funded-hours terms, including charges for food and consumables?
• Communication that fits your child. In March 2025, signing and visual prompts formed part of everyday interaction. A visit is an opportunity to discuss your child's preferred communication and how that would shape their learning plan.

Paddington Preschool Stage Two suits families who value individual learning plans, practical investigation and communication through signing as well as speech. In March 2025, staff adjusted individual learning plans as children developed new skills. For parents weighing preschool experiences, the connection between daily walks, creative play and children's developing knowledge is a compelling detail, alongside close work with families.