St Thomas More Pre-School

A spider with a suitcase captures the character of St Thomas More Pre-School's November 2021 provision: stories became conversations, and children supplied the imaginative detail. At its 10 November 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged the pre-school Good overall. Language, friendships and growing independence gave the day its shape.

Based in West Malling, the pre-school has 26 places in total. Children attending in November 2021 were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection snapshot.

In November 2021, children extended a spider story by discussing its luggage and clothes. Staff added descriptive vocabulary during fruit snacks, while yoga introduced unfamiliar words alongside balance exercises. These were practical ways of connecting language with something children were doing.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the November 2021 examples included learning through stories, movement and imaginative play. Story activities differed by developmental stage, with younger children finding fruit pieces and older children exploring rhyme and humour.

Children also organised restaurant role-play together, negotiating who would do what. Sand timers helped them take turns. Choice had a limit, however: in November 2021, children could not freely select some resources kept in storage. Planning also needed to make fuller use of the children's own cultural heritage, rather than relying on celebrations alone.

At the November 2021 inspection, Ofsted found that safeguarding was effective and that staff sought specialist advice for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, using it to adapt support. This connects the judgement to concrete practice, rather than offering a general assurance about care today.

In November 2021, relationships with key people helped newcomers settle and begin activities. Adults showed children how to manage coats and lunch boxes themselves, then encouraged them to persist. Small everyday tasks became opportunities for independence.

Staff training and time allocated for other duties supported their work with children in November 2021. During pandemic restrictions, staff also used alternative ways to keep parents involved in daily experiences.

The address is St Thomas of Canterbury Centre, The Priest's House, Lucks Hill, West Malling, ME19 6HN.

In November 2021, attendance was term-time, with morning sessions from 9am to midday and afternoon sessions from midday to 3pm; Tuesday afternoons were excluded. At that time, the pre-school received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. These are historical arrangements, rather than a statement of today's booking offer.

• Children's choices. In November 2021, stored resources restricted some independent choices. During a visit, look at how children select materials for themselves.
• Cultural belonging. November 2021 planning did not fully represent every child's heritage. Discuss how your family's background would inform activities.
• Attendance fit. The November 2021 pattern combined term-time morning and afternoon sessions, excluding Tuesday afternoons. What are the current age range, session arrangements and funding terms?

The November 2021 picture suits families seeking play centred on conversation, friendships and practical independence, with either morning or afternoon attendance during term time. The Good judgement gives that historical picture substance. Resource access and cultural planning remain the two improvement points to explore when assessing its fit for your child.