Fawkham Pre-School

In January 2022, a rope swing, tree climbing and children preparing their own picnic gave Fawkham Pre-School a recognisable character. In January 2022, outdoor exploration sat alongside opportunities for children to make choices, solve problems and care for living things. This was learning with something concrete to do.

At its January 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Outstanding and found safeguarding effective, with staff understanding both warning signs and the procedures for raising concerns. The pre-school has capacity for 10 children; those attending in January 2022 were aged two to four.

In January 2022, the woodland area provided opportunities to balance, climb and judge physical risks. Children also chose suitable clothing for the weather before going outdoors. These experiences connected physical activity with practical independence.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. In January 2022, its everyday expression included storytelling, rhyme, conversation and play that children helped to plan for the following day. Staff used clues and questions to invite fuller answers, giving children reasons to explain their thinking rather than simply supply a word.

Caring for living things gave learning another practical dimension that January. Children considered what a worm needed before returning it somewhere safe, while a sustainable development project involved caring for ducklings. Discussions also explored healthy eating and foods from different countries. Preparing honey sandwiches for a picnic brought food into children's own activity.

In January 2022, staff helped children recognise and manage their feelings, used praise to acknowledge their efforts and encouraged respectful behaviour. Sharing and taking turns were part of their play together. The emphasis was on children learning to participate and make decisions for themselves.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns preceding that inspection, families received activities for home, projects and regular updates. By January 2022, staff were also sharing learning from training and reviewing their work together. These details show the practical forms that family contact and staff development took at the time.

The address is Kent Down House, Scudders Hill, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8PA.

In January 2022, opening hours were 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, during school term time. That timetable placed attendance in the morning and early afternoon rather than across a working day. At the same date, the pre-school received funding for free early education for three- and four-year-olds.

• The attendance timetable. January 2022 opening hours ended at 1pm and followed school terms. What are the current attendance arrangements and funded-hours terms?
• Active outdoor play. In January 2022, children used a rope swing and climbed trees. Families who value physical challenge will find this a useful part of the setting's character to weigh.

Fawkham's January 2022 experience suits families drawn to outdoor exploration, child-led choices and practical learning through caring for living things. Its inspection-era term-time timetable also suited families seeking morning attendance. The strongest impression comes from specific activities: climbing, planning tomorrow's play and preparing a picnic gave children meaningful opportunities to act for themselves.