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Abbey Pre-school

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2024)
·St. Peter & St. Pauls Church, Minnis Lane, DOVER, CT17 0RG · Kent
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2024
Local authority
Kent

About this day nursery

Abbey Pre-School, located in River, Dover, cultivates a nurturing and stimulating environment where children aged two to five years can learn through focused play. Established in 1989 and now situated at St Peter's Church, the preschool prioritises individual support and attention, facilitated by experienced staff.

Their curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), addressing Prime Areas such as Communication & Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. These foundational skills then aid growth in specific areas like Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Art & Design, all through engaging activities from mark-making and story-time to outdoor play and imaginative role-playing in areas like a home corner.

The preschool operates with a parental committee, actively encouraging families to participate and contribute to their child's early education journey. The staff are all appropriately qualified with current first aid, child protection and food safety certificates.

The preschool also provides a light snack and drink.

Our ethos

Abbey Pre-School aligns its curriculum with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), focusing on learning through play. They prioritise individual support and attention, addressing developmental areas through engaging activities and encouraging family participation.

What it's like

The setting is extremely welcoming, inclusive and supportive, where children form strong bonds with staff and settle quickly. A thoughtfully planned curriculum and high-quality interactions help children flourish, make exceptional progress and feel emotionally safe.

EYFS CurriculumSnack ProvidedParental Committee

Pricing & funding

Charges are based on an hourly rate, with fees payable daily, weekly, monthly, or termly. Funded hours are available for eligible children during term time, with any additional hours charged at the standard hourly rate. No registration fees, deposits, or notice period fees are charged.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
  • Hourly Fee£6.00 / hour

Good to know

  • No registration fees or deposits are charged.
  • No fees for notice periods are charged.
  • Fees remain payable if a child is sick, unless hospitalised.
  • Annual holiday entitlement can be taken if booked in advance.
  • Parents must provide a packed lunch for afternoon or full-day sessions.
  • Fees are payable daily, weekly, monthly, or termly.

Key facts

Opening hours

Open during term time only; closed Tuesdays but open every other weekday from 8am to 5.45pm.

Food

Snack provided, children bring packed lunch for full days

Age range

2-5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

Sessional care

Established

1992

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Abbey Pre-school

Last inspected 18 July 2024 · Kelly Southern

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

The setting is extremely welcoming, inclusive and supportive, where children form strong bonds with staff and settle quickly. A thoughtfully planned curriculum and high-quality interactions help children flourish, make exceptional progress and feel emotionally safe.

Inspector highlights

  • Extremely welcoming, inclusive and supportive setting
  • Thoughtfully planned curriculum leads to exceptional progress
  • Strong partnerships with parents, including termly 'stay and play' sessions
  • Excellent transitions to school with key-person visits to feeder school
  • Free-flow outdoor play and activities that support physical development
Inspection #10350844 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with SEND are provided with consistent, extremely well support. The SENCo (who is also the manager) builds close relationships with parents, carers and other agencies, and individualised plans for children with SEND are regularly reviewed and discussed with parents.

Outdoor space

Free-flow play enables children to access the well-equipped outdoor area, where staff provide activities to challenge physical development and build large-muscle skills. Outdoor activities include large-scale painting and water-and-brush mark-making to support fine motor and writing foundations.

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2024

Date: November 2011

  • July 2024Outstanding
  • September 2018Good
  • January 2016Good
  • November 2011Good

Frequently asked about Abbey Pre-school

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more