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Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool

Ofsted: Good
(Nov 2022)
·
5.0(1 Google review) ·Saplings, Court Lane, Hadlow, TN11 0DU · Kent
Number of places
69 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2022
Local authority
Kent

About this early years setting

Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool, located on the outskirts of Hadlow village, provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where children aged 6 months to 5 years can learn, explore, and grow. The nursery aims to create a "home away from home" atmosphere, fostering confidence and skill development through creative experiences.

They embrace a holistic approach, integrating care, education, inspiration, and connection within a supportive community for families. Saplings encourages children to engage with nature and cultivate a lifelong love of learning by building on their natural curiosity.

The nursery offers sessional care and extends its services to include Before School and After-School clubs for primary-aged children, operating 50 weeks a year from 7:45 am to 6:00 pm. Registered and inspected by Ofsted, Saplings is committed to providing high standards of childcare and early education, bridging the gap between home and formal schooling.

Our ethos

Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool aims to create a "home away from home" atmosphere, fostering confidence and skill development through creative experiences. They embrace a holistic approach, integrating care, education, inspiration, and connection within a supportive community for families, encouraging children to engage with nature and cultivate a lifelong love of learning by building on their natural curiosity.

What it's like

Children are happy, content and confident. They are very aware of their play environment and happily explore the indoor and outdoor spaces. They develop close relationships with familiar staff, who enhance the bonds and attachments with children through reassuring cuddles and one-to-one activities.

Rural settingHolistic approachBefore & After School Club

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured by room (Bunny, Rabbit, and Badger Rooms) and offer breakfast club, morning/afternoon day care sessions, full days, and afterschool club add-ons. Government-funded hours are offered between 9am and 3pm at no cost.

Good to know

  • Fees are valid from 1st May 2026.
  • Funded hours are available from 9am until 3pm.

Key facts

Session types

Sessional care, Before School Club, After School Club

Opening hours

07:45 till 18:00, 50 weeks a year

Age range

6 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

Mixed

Registered with Ofsted

2020

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool

Last inspected 9 November 2022 · Claire Parnell

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 are happy, content and confident. They are very aware of their play environment and happily explore the indoor and outdoor spaces. They develop close relationships with familiar staff, who enhance the bonds and attachments with children through reassuring cuddles and one-to-one activities.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are happy, content and confident and explore indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Children develop independence skills from an early age and gain self-help skills in readiness for school.
  • Children's behaviour is exemplary, and they make close friendships and help each other.
  • Children show curiosity and intrigue in their play, confidently exploring and experimenting with natural materials.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive very positive care from a knowledgeable SENCo.

Areas to develop

  • 1enhance staff's knowledge of using children's recognised strengths to underpin and support other areas of development
  • 2extend staff's understanding of how to support some children's confidence to develop conversational skills and further their vocabulary.
Inspection #10251706 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents make very positive comments about the care their children receive and the progress their children make.

They feel reassured and confident in the staff that look after their children.

They talk confidently about how young children learn, and they use the information received to support their children's learning at home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive very positive care. The knowledgeable special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) works tirelessly to support children's needs and to close the gaps in their development. Staff help children to flourish to their full potential. The SENCo works closely with parents and other professionals to provide a consistent approach to their learning and care.

Outdoor space

Children happily explore the indoor and outdoor spaces. Children learn to find their boots for outdoor play and attempt to put their coats on themselves. Babies crawl through water, splashing water with their hands. Older children talk confidently about their experiences, such as watching bonfires, and explore water in the tyres.

Google Reviews of Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool

5.0
(1 Google review)

Reviews from Google for Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: November 2022

  • December 2022Good
  • November 2022Good

Frequently asked about Saplings Rural Day Nursery and Preschool

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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