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The Kensington Kindergarten

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Feb 2024)
·
5.0(1 Google review) ·St James House, 13 Kensington Square, London, W8 5HD · Kensington and Chelsea
Number of places
60 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2024
Local authority
Kensington and Chelsea

About this early years setting

The Kensington Kindergarten, located in London's exclusive Kensington Square, is a family-owned nursery and Pre-School with over 15 years of experience in early childhood education. Rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted, the nursery provides a nurturing environment where children aged 2 to 5 years can develop a love for learning and a strong sense of self.

The curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and covers seven key developmental areas, including literacy, numeracy, art, science, and specialist-led activities such as music, dance, sport, and French. The kindergarten boasts small class sizes to ensure personalised attention and offers unique facilities like a soft playroom, sensory room, and a garden for daily outdoor play.

Furthermore, children regularly explore the beautiful Kensington Gardens for Forest School classes led by trained teachers, fostering an appreciation for nature. The Kensington Kindergarten aims to create a stimulating and happy atmosphere where children are well-cared for, challenged appropriately, and encouraged to develop confidence and curiosity about the world.

Our ethos

The Kensington Kindergarten's approach is grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, aiming to foster a love for learning and a strong sense of self. They provide personalised attention through small class sizes and incorporate daily outdoor play and Forest School sessions in Kensington Gardens to nurture an appreciation for nature and develop confidence and curiosity.

What it's like

Leaders and staff share the highest aspirations for every child at this setting. They greet children in the morning with a warm smile and a handshake, before escorting them inside into a highly stimulating and welcoming environment. Staff know children extremely well and all interactions are of the highest quality. Children feel very safe and secure, and this enables them to flourish.

Ofsted OutstandingFamily-ownedForest SchoolEYFS CurriculumSensory Room

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged on a termly basis depending on the session types selected, including morning, afternoon, and lunch sessions. Ad hoc bookings are also available for lunch hours and afternoons. A one-off registration fee is required.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Fees are billed on a termly basis.
  • Ad hoc sessions are available for lunch hours and afternoons.
  • A registration fee is charged upon application.

Key facts

Opening hours

Morning session: 8:45am to 12pm; Morning session with lunch: 8:45am to 1pm; Morning session with afternoon: 8:45am to 3:30pm

Session types

Morning session, Morning session with lunch hour, Morning session with afternoon session, Ad hoc lunch hour session, Ad hoc afternoon session

Age range

2 to 5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Food

Lunch hour available

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Kensington Kindergarten

Last inspected 20 February 2024 · Nicola Baker

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Leaders and staff share the highest aspirations for every child at this setting. They greet children in the morning with a warm smile and a handshake, before escorting them inside into a highly stimulating and welcoming environment. Staff know children extremely well and all interactions are of the highest quality. Children feel very safe and secure, and this enables them to flourish.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders and staff prioritise developing children's language skills. All children develop into confident communicators, with notably secure attention and listening skills.
  • Staff place value on developing children's independence skills. Children beam with pride as their work is displayed on the walls. This supports them to have belief in their own abilities and to develop 'can-do' attitudes.
  • Children show the highest levels of engagement and enjoyment during adult-led learning and when choosing their own activities. Children develop highly positive attitudes towards their learning.
  • Staff know their key children exceptionally well and use this knowledge to build on their prior experiences and develop their cultural capital. Staff take children into the local area to engage in nature walks or number hunts, or to post their own Valentine's Day cards.
  • Leaders ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully included and fulfilling their potential. Leaders and key staff work alongside parents and other professionals to ensure that children with SEND make rapid progress towards their individual targets.
Inspection #10301237 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

They praise the 'incredible' staff and say that the care that their children receive is exemplary.

They comment that their children are exceptionally well prepared for school, across all areas of the curriculum.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Leaders ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully included and fulfilling their potential. They adjust the environment to make sure that all children have full access to the curriculum offer. Leaders and key staff work alongside parents and other professionals to ensure that children with SEND make rapid progress towards their individual targets.

Outdoor space

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

Google Reviews of The Kensington Kindergarten

5.0
(1 Google review)

Reviews from Google for The Kensington Kindergarten. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

20 February 2024

Outstanding

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

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