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Merry Go Round Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2024)
·Jubilee Road, Sandwich, CT13 0QP · Kent
Number of places
26 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2024
Local authority
Kent

About this day nursery

Merry Go Round Pre-School, established in 2004, is a family-oriented, term-time childcare setting in Sandwich, Kent, that received a Good rating from Ofsted on its latest inspection on 6 February 2024. 15pm, the pre-school caters for children aged 2 to 4 years.

The manager, who is passionate about giving children a good start in life, alongside her staff, welcomes children with a guiding hand or a cuddle, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that parents describe as having a "family feel". Staff are skilled at supporting children to play together and feel settled, with clear expectations for behaviour that lead to children behaving well and using equipment safely.

The curriculum focuses on building fundamental skills, with staff listening to children's interests to inform their planning. Children develop independence, confidence and social skills, with staff providing the right level of support.

The pre-school has a strong focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision; the manager collaborates with other agencies to ensure a consistent approach to support. Staff set achievable targets for children, and funding is effectively used for resources that help children feel secure and meet their individual goals.

Children love the outdoor garden space, where they are encouraged to swing, climb, ride, and build, promoting physical development and enjoyment. Throughout their days, children are motivated to engage with planned activities, from fine motor skill development indoors to creative play outdoors.

The pre-school also uses a key-person system to foster children's well-being and secure attachments, ensuring children feel safe and comfortable to seek out staff for play or comfort. Strong relationships with parents are a key feature, with staff sharing progress, offering extra home resources, and signposting support for those with additional needs.

What it's like

The manager of this family-oriented pre-school is passionate about providing children with a good start in life. Staff welcome children in with a guiding hand or a cuddle. Children come in happily and enjoy the many activities set out ready for them.

Family-orientedGood teachingStrong parent relationshipsOutdoor playSEND support

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 3.15pm

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Merry Go Round Pre-School

Last inspected 6 February 2024 · Nina Harvey

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

The manager of this family-oriented pre-school is passionate about providing children with a good start in life. Staff welcome children in with a guiding hand or a cuddle. Children come in happily and enjoy the many activities set out ready for them.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager has a good understanding of special educational needs and/or disabilities.
  • The overall quality of teaching is good.
  • Staff are clear and consistent with their expectations for rules and boundaries.
  • Children are motivated to engage with the activities provided.
  • The manager and her staff have built strong relationships with parents.

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen the arrangements for staff supervision, coaching and training to ensure consistency in the quality of teaching across staff
  • 2review and improve transition periods so that children are consistently engaged in meaningful learning.
Inspection #10317283 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment on the friendly and 'family feel' to the setting.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The manager has a good understanding of special educational needs and/or disabilities. She works effectively with other agencies to provide a consistency in the approach to support these children. Staff provide simple targets that children can achieve in interesting ways. Funding is well spent on resources to support children to feel settled, secure and able to meet their individual goals.

Outdoor space

Children thoroughly enjoy using the garden space, where they smile and giggle as they swing, climb, ride and build.

Inspection history

Date: March 2010

  • February 2024Good
  • May 2018Good
  • October 2015Good
  • March 2010Good

Frequently asked about Merry Go Round Pre-School

About the setting

Merry Go Round Pre-School registered in 2004. The pre-school is run by a parent committee and is located in Sandwich, Kent. It is open Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 3.15pm, during term time only. There are six members of staff, five of whom hold a relevant early years qualification at level 3 or above. The provider receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

URN
EY287735
Registered person
Merry Go Round Pre School Committee
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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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