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Next Steps Preschool

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2024)
·St Martins Church Hall, Church Road, Dover, CT17 9LW · Kent
Number of places
50 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2024
Local authority
Kent

About this day nursery

Next Steps Preschool, located in St Martins Church Hall in Dover (CT17 9LW), offers a kind and caring environment where children and families are at the heart of its provision. First registered in 2016, this pre-school operates Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with a shorter session on Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

The dedicated team of seven staff, five of whom hold a relevant early years qualification at Level 2 or above, work together to provide high-quality care and education for children aged two to four years. The pre-school has a strong focus on fostering independence and confidence in children, as evidenced by activities such as children buttering their own toast and washing up after snacks.

Staff effectively promote good behaviour through praise and by acting as positive role models, helping children to develop strong self-esteem. The setting also has a positive relationship with the local church and community, and plans are underway to develop an outdoor "forest" area.

Next Steps Preschool has consistently achieved a "Good" rating from Ofsted, including its latest inspection on April 25, 2024, reflecting its commitment to providing an enriching and supportive early years experience, enabling all children to make good progress from their individual starting points.

What it's like

Children and families are at the heart of this kind and caring pre-school. Staff welcome children at the door with smiles and cuddles, effectively supporting children's emotional well-being. Staff promote children's positive attitudes to learning well, encouraging them to do things for themselves, such as buttering their own toast at snack time. Staff have high expectations of children, planning an interesting and motivating curriculum based on children's needs and interests.

Kind and caringHigh expectationsIndependence skillsEffective safeguardingGood behaviourEnriching environment

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

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

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm and Tuesday from 8.30am to 11.30am

Term time / All Year

Mixed

Established

2016

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Next Steps Preschool

Last inspected 25 April 2024

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children and families are at the heart of this kind and caring pre-school. Staff welcome children at the door with smiles and cuddles, effectively supporting children's emotional well-being. Staff promote children's positive attitudes to learning well, encouraging them to do things for themselves, such as buttering their own toast at snack time. Staff have high expectations of children, planning an interesting and motivating curriculum based on children's needs and interests.

Inspector highlights

  • Children and families are at the heart of this kind and caring pre-school.
  • Staff promote children's positive attitudes to learning well and encourage children to do things for themselves.
  • Staff have high expectations of children and plan an interesting and motivating curriculum.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are confident and comfortable, forming special bonds with staff.
  • Staff encourage children to recall previous learning to help them develop key skills.
  • Staff promote children's understanding of others, helping them to feel included and learn that all families are special.
  • Children benefit from staff who prioritise their understanding of self-care and encourage good oral health.
  • Leaders and managers are passionate and hardworking, with very positive relationships with the local church and community.

Areas to develop

  • 1Strengthen the deployment of staff so that children receive more consistent support to extend their learning during their play.
  • 2Support staff to implement further strategies to encourage younger children's early communication skills.
Inspection #10335379 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities demonstrate that they are confident and comfortable at the setting. They form special bonds with staff, who know them well. Staff are patient and calm. All children make good progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Children especially enjoy exploring outside, spending time digging in the sand and mud. Staff create a special sensory space where children can relax. Staff are excited to work with families to develop an outside 'forest' area in the future.

Inspection history

Date: June 2018

  • April 2024Good
  • June 2018Good

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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