Harlequin Forest Pre-School, TW

Rope swings, woodland instruments and a newt revisited after its discovery give Harlequin Forest Pre-School, TW a recognisable character. These were features of its June 2023 provision: nature supplied both the materials for play and the questions that extended children's thinking.

At its 15 June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Outstanding, finding strong learning progress and highly effective support for children learning English as an additional language and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Children attending then were aged two to four. The setting has capacity for 18 children in total.

In June 2023, the private woodland was a working learning environment. Children investigated beneath logs with magnifying glasses, predicted what they might discover and showed care towards living creatures. Objects gathered outdoors became instruments. These experiences connected observation, imagination and conversation.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing different areas of learning into their play. In June 2023, practitioners extended that learning through questions about tree trunks, introduced unfamiliar vocabulary during activities and encouraged enjoyment of books.

Practical skills developed in stages. In June 2023, children first removed bark with their fingers, progressed to a vegetable peeler and eventually used real tools for woodland projects. The sequence made hand control and safe tool use part of the same learning process.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff recognising potential signs of harm, understanding reporting procedures and undertaking paediatric and outdoor first-aid training. Environmental risks were assessed continually.

In June 2023, safety was also something children practised themselves. They recognised woodland boundaries, knew the signal for gathering together and paused at a deer-crossing area. Before climbing, they considered whether a structure would hold them. Outdoor independence came with specific routines.

Communication with families was daily in June 2023. Parents received information about children's learning and how to continue it at home, connecting the preschool day with family life. Practitioners also used their knowledge of individual interests and next learning steps when planning activities.

The address is Aspens Charities Ltd, Cornford Lane, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4QU. Its 18 places describe whole-setting capacity, rather than the size of a particular activity group.

In June 2023, the setting received funding for children aged three and four. That is a dated description of participation, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Woodland independence. In June 2023, children climbed structures and progressed towards real tools. This approach suits families who value practical outdoor learning with explicitly taught safety routines.
• Attendance planning. What attendance pattern and funding arrangements would apply to your child? Establish these together before making a booking decision.

Harlequin suits families drawn to woodland exploration, practical making and learning through conversation. Its June 2023 provision combined these experiences with close attention to individual development. The strongest reason to consider it is that concrete outdoor character, supported by an Outstanding judgement from that date.