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Biddenden PlaySchool

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2023)
·John Mayne C of E Primary School, High Street, ASHFORD, TN27 8AL · Kent
Number of places
24 places
Age range
3–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2023
Local authority
Kent

About this day nursery

Biddenden Playschool is a community-focused nursery situated within the serene grounds of John Mayne School, offering a picturesque setting enveloped by fields and a church view. The Playschool caters to children aged two to four years, fostering a mixed-age play environment where younger children learn from older peers, and older children develop responsibility.

The dedicated staff, with extensive practical experience and mandatory training, prioritise each child's well-being and individual potential, adhering to Early Years Foundation Stage goals. They practice an inclusive approach, welcoming all children regardless of background or learning level, and collaborate with parents and various professionals like the Speech and Language Team and Children’s Centre Team to ensure every child receives appropriate support and a tailored learning experience.

The playschool aims to cultivate happy, confident children with strong self-esteem through positive reinforcement, small responsibilities, and attentive listening. They offer a diverse range of play experiences, including outdoor activities in their garden, playground, and woodland sessions, alongside classroom learning, with the ultimate goal of preparing children for a smooth transition to primary school.

Our ethos

Biddenden Playschool is committed to fostering happy, confident children with strong self-esteem. They adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) goals and practice an inclusive approach, welcoming all children and collaborating with parents and professionals to provide tailored learning experiences. Their mixed-age play environment encourages peer learning and responsibility, aiming to prepare children for a smooth transition to primary school.

What it's like

Children display high levels of confidence and have good social skills. They explore at their own pace and make their own decisions in their play. Staff use the setting's dog to teach children about safety and help them overcome fears, providing therapeutic benefits.

Forest SchoolTerm-time onlyMixed-age playSmall village playschool

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged based on three-hour or six-hour sessions. The nursery accepts various government funding options with specific attendance structures required to claim 15-hour or 30-hour entitlements. An hourly rate applies for any hours attended outside of funded coverage.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
  • 3 hour session£19.50 / session
  • 6 hour session [9-3]£39.00 / session
  • unfunded hours (per hour)£6.50 / hour

Good to know

  • Parents must provide a packed lunch for the six-hour (9.00am to 3.00pm) session.
  • 30 hours of funding can be claimed by attending Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 3.00pm.
  • 15 hours of funding must be claimed over three days, consisting of two full days and one half day.
  • The nursery is registered to accept workplace childcare voucher schemes.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday (term time): 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Age range

two and four years old

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Biddenden PlaySchool

Last inspected 21 April 2023

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

What it's like to attend

Children display high levels of confidence and have good social skills. They explore at their own pace and make their own decisions in their play. Staff use the setting's dog to teach children about safety and help them overcome fears, providing therapeutic benefits.

Inspector highlights

  • Children display high levels of confidence and good social skills.
  • Staff effectively use the setting's dog to teach children about safety and overcome fears.
  • Children have plenty of opportunities to develop physical skills through varied activities.
  • Children are encouraged to develop early literacy skills and a love for reading.
  • Staff know children extremely well and adapt activities to follow their interests.

Areas to develop

  • 1help staff to identify when to use more effective questioning techniques to identify any gaps in children's knowledge
  • 2support staff in providing further challenge to the most able children to continually build on and broaden their knowledge and skills.
Inspection #10286058 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

They feel well supported by staff and comment on how happy their children are when they attend the setting.

Parents feel well informed about their children's learning and progress and enjoy sharing learning that children have engaged in at home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their physical skills. Staff provide weekly opportunities for children to engage in a variety of physical activities, such as woodland walks around open spaces and fields, racket sports, and dance classes.

Inspection history

Date: December 2010

  • April 2023Good
  • October 2017Good
  • March 2015Good
  • December 2010Good

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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