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Kaleidascope Childcare in Dover

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2023)
·
5.0(3 parent reviews)
·Methodist Church Hall, Bartholomew Street, Dover, CT16 2LH · Kent
Number of places
36 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Kent

About this day nursery

Kaleidascope Childcare, a family-run nursery, delivers outstanding early years education across three individual facilities in Aylesham and Dover. Their philosophy revolves around the concept of 'learning through play,' where children are encouraged to discover, imagine, and grow without limitations.

The nursery integrates elements from the Curiosity Approach, Scandinavian childcare practices, and Forest Schools into its daily routine, fostering an environment where children are active participants in their learning journey using natural and authentic resources. They are dedicated to inclusivity, warmly welcoming children with additional needs and those who speak English as an additional language.

Kaleidascope boasts a passionate and skilled team, featuring Early Years Qualified Teachers and staff with Level 3 qualifications, all committed to the well-being, safety, and development of every child.

Our ethos

Kaleidoscope Childcare's philosophy is rooted in 'learning through play,' encouraging children to discover, imagine, and grow. They integrate the Curiosity Approach, Scandinavian practices, and Forest Schools, using natural resources to foster active learning. The nursery is committed to inclusivity and welcomes children with additional needs and those learning English.

What it's like

Children arrive eager to start their day. Families are warmly greeted by friendly and approachable staff, who know them well. Children are happy and secure. Staff use what they know about children to plan interesting and motivating activities, and have high expectations for all children.

Learning Through PlayCuriosity ApproachScandinavian influenced childcareForest School inspired

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
  • Full Day (0-2 years)£82.50 / day
  • Full Day (2-3 years)£63.00 / day
  • Full Day (3-5 years)£56.25 / day
  • Morning (0-2 years)£45.00 / session
  • Morning (2-3 years)£34.00 / session

Key facts

Opening hours

Baby Kaleidascope: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (year-round care, 50 weeks); Kaleidascope Aylesham: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm (term-time care, 38 weeks, extending to 7:30 am - 5:30 pm for 3-5 year olds from Sept 2026); Kaleidascope Dover: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (term-time care, 38 weeks, moving to year-round from Sept 2026)

Session types

Full Day (7.5hrs), Morning (4hrs), Afternoon (4hrs)

Age range

3 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Kaleidascope Childcare

Last inspected 23 February 2023

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 arrive eager to start their day. Families are warmly greeted by friendly and approachable staff, who know them well. Children are happy and secure. Staff use what they know about children to plan interesting and motivating activities, and have high expectations for all children.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are happy and secure, and make good progress.
  • Staff successfully prioritise children's language development and early literacy skills.
  • Leaders and managers are passionate about supporting children and families.
  • Staff feel well supported by leaders and managers.
  • The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to recognise when to encourage children to complete manageable tasks more fully, to support their developing independence
  • 2strengthen the ways information is shared with parents who speak EAL, to help them understand more fully how they can contribute to their children's learning and development at home.
Inspection #10277126 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

'like being part of a family'

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The teaching is of a good quality, and all children make good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff support children's language development very well. They liaise closely with the local authority to support children with SEND.

Outdoor space

The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

EAL / language support

However, these arrangements are not as effective for parents who speak English as an additional language (EAL).

Parent Reviews of Kaleidascope Childcare

5.0
(3)
Jemmy Emmy
3 years ago

I like this Nursery ,the staff very kind and friendly، They teach children in an easy and good way

Read on Google
danielle Armstrong
2 years ago

Amazing nursery and lovely staff 😊😊

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Kaleidascope Childcare. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: December 2009

  • February 2023Good
  • June 2019Good
  • June 2015Outstanding
  • December 2009Good

Frequently asked about Kaleidascope Childcare

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