--- title: "Kaleidascope Childcare, Canterbury — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Kaleidascope Childcare, a nursery in Canterbury — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103#nursery", "name": "Kaleidascope Childcare", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "St. Josephs RC Primary School", "addressLocality": "Ackholt Road", "postalCode": "CT3 3AS" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103#webpage" }, "telephone": "01304 842363", "email": "dovermanager@kaleidascopechildcare.com", "sameAs": [ "https://kaleidascopechildcare.wordpress.com/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.226178, "longitude": 1.207846 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Canterbury" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "South East", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20East" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Kaleidascope Childcare", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Whereabouts is Kaleidascope Childcare?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Kaleidascope Childcare is in Canterbury, Kent, at St Josephs RC Primary School, Ackholt Road, CT3 3AS." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What strengths were highlighted for the nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff support children’s independence during mealtimes and encourage self-help skills. Children respond with high levels of motivation and engagement, and the setting offers exploratory experiences that support imagination, creativity, and purposeful play. Parents also value the communication about care and the personal attention given to each child." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Kaleidascope Childcare have an Ofsted rating?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Kaleidascope Childcare has a Good overall Ofsted grade, awarded on 21/09/2022." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What outdoor space does Kaleidascope Childcare have?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery uses a secure garden with a mud kitchen, lavender picked from the garden, climbing holds, and a high slide. The outdoor area supports sensory play, physical challenge, and children’s confidence in moving around the space." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can Kaleidascope Childcare be contacted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery can be reached on 01304 842363 or by email at dovermanager@kaleidascopechildcare.com. Its website is https://kaleidascopechildcare.wordpress.com/." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which curriculum approach is used at Kaleidascope Childcare?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery follows learning through play and takes ideas from the Curiosity Approach. It also uses elements from Scandinavian childcare and Forest Schools in everyday practice." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South East](/search?region=South+East) 4. Kaleidascope Childcare # Kaleidascope Childcare in Canterbury Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Sept 2022) · St. Josephs RC Primary School, Ackholt Road, Canterbury, CT3 3AS · Kent Number of places 28 places Age range 2–4 yrs Last inspected Sept 2022 Local authority Kent About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Kaleidascope Childcare is a family-owned nursery dedicated to providing exceptional early years education and care for pre-school children across three nurturing settings in Aylesham and Dover. The nursery passionately advocates for learning through play, viewing every moment as an opportunity for exploration, growth, and development. They believe in limitless play, seeing endless possibilities for being, thinking, creating, imagining, exploring, discovering, and crucially, learning, without a rigid 'right' or 'wrong' way. Kaleidascope integrates its original outlook with elements from the Curiosity Approach and Scandinavian childcare practices, including Forest School principles, into daily nursery life. They prioritise investing in, nurturing, and encouraging the best from the young children in their community, acknowledging the significant responsibility they have in each child's care and education. The nursery operates with a strong connection to young children, and their 'learning through play' policies are central to their core values. Kaleidascope Childcare operates two Ofsted-rated 'GOOD' settings and a newly registered nursery at the Aylesham Welfare and Leisure Centre. In September 2025, they opened Baby Kaleidascope, a setting specifically designed for the youngest children to provide a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Our ethos Kaleidascope Childcare's philosophy is centred on "limitless play" and learning through exploration and discovery, rejecting rigid methods. They integrate the Curiosity Approach, Scandinavian childcare practices, and Forest School principles into their daily activities. They are committed to nurturing each child's potential and believe play is crucial for learning and development. What it's like Staff work hard to provide a tranquil and welcoming environment, helping children feel relaxed and develop strong relationships. Children are provided with exciting learning that is well planned, building on their existing knowledge and encouraging eager exploration and exposure to well-modelled language. Learning through play Family-owned Curiosity Approach Scandinavian childcare principles Forest School elements ## Pricing & funding Fees are structured around hourly, half-day (four-hour morning or afternoon), and full-day (seven and a half hours) rates, tiered across three age brackets from three months to five years. Standard fees include consumables such as healthy snacks, drinks, art supplies, and access to the nursery application. Good to know - Fees are subject to an annual increase. - Current rates are applicable for the period of May 2025 to March 2026. - Fees include consumables: healthy snacks, drinks, art supplies, and nursery app access. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Kaleidascope Childcare Inspection date Sept 2022 Inspection no. 10254315 Lead inspector Kate Williams Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50196611)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY283103) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://kaleidascopechildcare.wordpress.com/) St. Josephs RC Primary School, Ackholt Road, Canterbury, CT3 3AS [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/1.20785/51.22618/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Canterbury - [Day nurseries in Canterbury](/search?q=Canterbury) - [Day nurseries in South East](/search?q=South+East) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=kaleidascope-childcare-ct3-3as-ey283103) ## Key facts Opening hours Baby Kaleidascope (Year-Round Care): Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. Kaleidascope Aylesham (Term-Time Care): Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm. Kaleidascope Dover (Term-Time Care): Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Age range 3 months to 5 years Term time / All Year Term Time Session types Full Day, Morning, Afternoon Established 2004 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Kaleidascope Childcare Last inspected 21 September 2022 · Kate Williams 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 Staff work hard to provide a tranquil and welcoming environment, helping children feel relaxed and develop strong relationships. Children are provided with exciting learning that is well planned, building on their existing knowledge and encouraging eager exploration and exposure to well-modelled language. Inspector highlights - Children are inspired by the environment and display high levels of motivation and engagement. - Staff use mealtimes to support children's self-help and independence skills. - Leaders have sought guidance on the importance of an inspiring continuous provision which offers an extensive range of learning opportunities. - Staff have a strong focus on providing children with exploratory experiences and those that promote imagination and creativity in play. - Parents are happy with the communication received about their child's care and feel reassured that staff take extra effort to learn about their children as individuals. Areas to develop - 1 review the implementation of group times to maximise the learning opportunities for every child - 2 develop strategies that staff use to support children who speak English as an additional language to communicate their wants and needs. Inspection #10254315 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50196611) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > Parents are happy with the communication received about their child's care. > They comment that they feel reassured that staff take extra effort to learn about their children as individuals. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision The special educational needs coordinator uses her knowledge to support children well. She regularly liaises with external agencies to coordinate targeted support and resources for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Outdoor space Children investigate the smell of lavender picked from the garden and add them to their mud kitchen creations, helping to build strength in the muscles in their hands. They take turns to climb the climbing holds and slide down the high slide, experiencing risk and challenge that enables them to make decisions about their own spatial awareness and control. The garden is safe and secure, enabling children to explore the outdoor spaces confidently. Inspection history Date: October 2010 - September 2022 Good - June 2018 Good - March 2015 Good - October 2010 Good ## Frequently asked about Kaleidascope Childcare ### Whereabouts is Kaleidascope Childcare? ### What strengths were highlighted for the nursery? ### Does Kaleidascope Childcare have an Ofsted rating? ### What outdoor space does Kaleidascope Childcare have? ### How can Kaleidascope Childcare be contacted? ### Which curriculum approach is used at Kaleidascope Childcare? ## Nearby day nurseries in Canterbury Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Kaleidascope Childcare. - [ Awaiting first inspection 0.4 mi ### Baby Kaleidascope Canterbury · CT3 3BE ](/nursery/baby-kaleidascope-ct3-3be-2866238) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.4 mi ### Sunshine Corner Nursery Canterbury · CT3 3BS ](/nursery/sunshine-corner-nursery-ct3-3bs-ey282231) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.6 mi ### Barham Pre-School Barham · CT4 6NX ](/nursery/barham-pre-school-ct4-6nx-127001) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.9 mi ### Tots R Us Dover · CT15 4AN ](/nursery/tots-r-us-ct15-4an-127724) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.9 mi ### Shepherdswell Preschool Dover · CT15 7NN ](/nursery/shepherdswell-preschool-ct15-7nn-127535) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.9 mi ### Littlebourne Ladybirds Pre-School Canterbury · CT3 1XS ](/nursery/littlebourne-ladybirds-pre-school-ct3-1xs-127346) [See all nurseries in Canterbury →](/search?q=Canterbury) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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