Kids Play & Learn Preschool

In November 2024, story props, a rice tray and small-group games gave children at Kids Play & Learn Preschool practical ways to learn through play. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good. The preschool operates at Riverhead Village Hall in Sevenoaks and has capacity for 13 children.

In November 2024, children attending were aged 2 to 4. The strongest examples of daily life involved stories, hands-on exploration and learning to take turns, alongside two clear development priorities: staff support for communication and giving children more time to manage tasks themselves.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and planned activities help children build skills for their next stage.

In November 2024, activities were adapted to children's starting points. Younger children explored mark-making in a sand tray; older children practised letters with pencils. A rice tray with scoops and ramps prompted children to predict what changing the slope would do. These examples put exploration before simply supplying an answer.

Daily shared stories sat alongside time to look at books independently. Staff used props when telling The Three Little Pigs, and children joined in familiar passages and acted out the story. Small-group activities also gave children practice in listening and participating; a phonics game made waiting for a turn part of the activity itself. Festivals offered opportunities to explore children's different cultural backgrounds.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, strong relationships with key persons and good progress from children's starting points. In November 2024, staff planned activities around what they knew about individual children, while leaders communicated with parents and sought professional advice to adjust practice and the environment.

Support for speech and language delays included targeted help, but staff needed more confidence using visual resources. Opportunities to speak were also reduced when dummies stayed in use. This was a practical limitation, rather than an absence of attention to language: staff introduced words describing fruits and textures.

Children had opportunities to wash snack plates and put on coats and shoes. Adults sometimes intervened too quickly during group tasks, reducing the chance to persist independently. Leaders also used early years pupil premium funding to widen access to opportunities and considered additional resources for children.

The address is Riverhead Village Hall, Amherst Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 2EL. In November 2024, opening hours were 9am to 3pm during term time, and the preschool offered government-funded places for children aged two to four. These are inspection-time arrangements.

• Communication support. November 2024 findings highlighted inconsistent use of visual resources and missed opportunities for speaking when children used dummies. Families whose children need language support should discuss how these practices have developed.
• Everyday independence. Adults sometimes completed tasks too quickly in November 2024. During a visit, ask how staff allow children time to try, struggle and finish for themselves.
• Term-time routine. The November 2024 opening pattern was 9am to 3pm in term time. What attendance arrangements would fit your family's present childcare needs?

Kids Play & Learn Preschool suits families drawn to shared storytelling, practical exploration and a small setting, with 13 places in total. The November 2024 account gives concrete examples of children participating in play and everyday tasks. Communication support and adult intervention deserve attention alongside those strengths; families seeking a term-time daytime routine have a useful dated starting point for considering the preschool.