Little Acorns Preschool

Village gardening gives Little Acorns Preschool a recognisable character: in December 2024, children were learning gardening skills and putting them to use around Tatsfield. This is preschool life connected to the village beyond the hall.

Based at The Village Hall, Westmore Green, the preschool accepts children from 24 to 59 months and has 30 places in total. At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall and found safeguarding effective. The strongest practical examples combined creative play, growing independence and community involvement.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together, with play providing opportunities to practise language, movement and social skills.

In December 2024, a weekly gardening club gave children skills they used to plant bulbs around the village; children also discussed growing flowers for entry in the local horticultural show. A visit from the road crossing patrol officer connected learning with someone children recognised outside.

Creative activities had practical substance. That December, children built a robot from large boxes indoors and experimented outdoors with water, a ramp and tubes. Adjusting the tubes encouraged them to test ideas. Pressing natural materials into play dough exercised the fingers and hands needed for early writing.

At the December 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities worked well, including collaboration with external professionals and communication boards and books that helped children express choices.

Relationships also had concrete expression that month. Staff used conversations beside a mirror to help children discuss feelings, while sand timers helped children negotiate turns with toys. Washing hands and tidying gave them manageable tasks to practise independently.

In December 2024, staff organised the Crafty Christmas family event in response to parent feedback, giving families a chance to see their children's learning. Staff also visited other early years settings attended by children and exchanged information about their next learning steps, supporting continuity between settings.

The address is The Village Hall, Westmore Green, Tatsfield, Westerham, TN16 2AG. Opening hours are 8.30am to 3.20pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure in school holidays.

In December 2024, the preschool provided funded childcare for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated funding position rather than a promise of an individual funded place.

• Language and books. In December 2024, staff sometimes moved on before children could answer questions, and books were insufficiently integrated into play. Giving children more response time and making stories part of everyday activities were the two improvement priorities.
• Term-time fit. Closure during school holidays makes the annual calendar a significant consideration for families needing care throughout the year.
• Planning attendance. When visiting, ask how session choices and funded hours would fit your child's intended attendance pattern.

Little Acorns suits families seeking term-time preschool care with a village connection. Its December 2024 activities gave children tangible reasons to create, grow and cooperate. The language and literacy improvements deserve attention alongside those strengths: a useful choice for parents who value community participation and practical independence.