Learn, Educate And Play
At Twinkletoes Preschools, we offer private and funded education places for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds at our Dartford and Horton Kirby settings, both recognised as Ofsted Good Providers. We create a safe, happy, and stimulating environment where every child is valued as a unique individual and supported by caring, qualified practitioners. Through play-based learning and active exploration, children develop confidence, creativity, and a love for discovery. We nurture mutual respect and independence, helping each child prepare for the next stage in their learning journey. By working in strong partnership with parents, professionals, and the wider community, we ensure every child thrives and grows with enthusiasm and joy.
Private And Funded Places Available
Play-based, Tailored Learning For Ages 2–5
Strong Home And Preschool Partnership
We’re proud to be a top-rated choice for early year education in Dartford, providing a safe, joyful space where every child can flourish.
About Twinkletoes Preschool
At Twinkletoes Preschools, we offer both half-day and full-day sessions, providing FF2, 15-hour, and 30-hour funding options to support families. Established in 2018 with our Dartford branch and expanding in April 2023 with the addition of Twinkletoes (Horton Kirby), formerly Riverside, our preschools are built on a shared passion for early years education. Our team brings diverse educational backgrounds, united by a commitment to creating enriching learning environments. Each day blends structured learning, exploration, and play—guided by our qualified teacher and dedicated early years educators—through engaging indoor and outdoor experiences. We believe a child’s first preschool experiences shape their lifelong learning journey, and we strive to make every day at Twinkletoes enjoyable, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Our Aim
At Twinkletoes Preschools, our aim is to place each child’s welfare at the heart of everything we do, fostering learning through play, exploration, and meaningful first-hand experiences. We focus on building every child’s confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, tailoring our approach to meet individual needs through our key person system and supportive adult guidance. We value parents and carers as a child’s first educators and work in partnership to create a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and free from discrimination. Embracing diversity and individuality, we continually listen, reflect, and improve our practice to provide the possible early years experience for every child in our care.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What age children can join this preschool?
A. We welcome children aged 2 to 4. This gives your child a chance to build confidence, social skills, and early learning habits before starting school.
Q. Do you accept childcare vouchers?
A. Yes, we accept childcare vouchers. If you want to check session options or ask about availability, please use our form and we'll be happy to help.
Q. What does play-based learning involve at preschool?
A. We use activities such as storytelling, sensory play, role play, outdoor exploration, and early literacy and numeracy tasks to help your child learn in a natural and engaging way.
Q. How does preschool help prepare my child for school?
A. We help your child get used to routines, group activities, listening, sharing, and simple early learning skills. We also support your child's confidence and independence, which can make the move into school feel much smoother.
Q. Do you offer funded nursery places?
A. Yes, we offer private and government-funded places, including FF2, 15-hour, and 30-hour funding where eligible. We can help you understand which option may apply to your family.
Q. How will I know what my child has done during the day?
A. We use the Baby's Days online system to share daily activities, photos, and progress updates in real time. It gives you a clearer picture of your child’s day and helps keep home and nursery connected.
Q. What age children do you accept at preschool?
A. We welcome children aged 2 to 5, with activities planned around the needs of younger learners in their early years.
Q. What does a typical preschool session include?
A. A typical session may include play-based learning, storytelling, sensory activities, outdoor play, movement sessions, and early literacy or numeracy tasks suited to your child's stage.
Q. Do you offer part-time preschool sessions?
A. Yes, we offer half-day sessions as well as full-day sessions, giving you flexibility when choosing what works best for your child and routine.
Q. Do You Go Out To Explore The Community?
A. Yes, we do that weekly.
Q. Do You Follow The Curriculum?
A. Yes, we follow the early years curriculum.
Q. Do You Have An All-Inclusive Programme?
A. Yes, we do. We're able to offer an all-inclusive programme for children with SEN.
Q. What age can my child start nursery?
A.We welcome children from as young as 20 months. Every child is different, so we tailor the settling-in process to suit their individual needs and your family's situation. We also offer funded places for eligible children — get in touch to check your eligibility.
Q. Does the nursery have a good Ofsted rating?
A. Yes, we're proud to hold a "Good" Ofsted rating.
Q. What are your opening hours, and do you have places available?
A. We know childcare needs to fit around work, so we offer flexible options:
Open 9am-3pm
Full-time and part-time sessions available
Immediate availability — contact us to check current spaces
Q. Do you offer funded childcare?
A. Yes, we offer funded childcare places for eligible children. Get in touch to find out if you qualify.
Q. What is your staff-to-child ratio?
A. We maintain strong ratios to ensure every child gets the attention they need:
1:3 for two-year-olds
1:5 for three-year-olds
Q. What activities do children do each day?
A. Each day includes carpet time, lunch and a snack, alongside activities tailored to each child's interests and abilities — no two days look exactly the same.
Q. How do you help children prepare for primary school?
A. We support each child at their own pace, building the skills, confidence and independence they need for a smooth transition to primary school.
Q. Do you provide meals and snacks?
A. Yes, we provide a nutritious morning snack and afternoon snack each day.
Q. How do you communicate with parents?
A. We use our online Baby's Day system (available on our website and app) to share daily activities, observations, photos and progress in real time—keeping you fully connected and giving complete transparency between home and nursery.
Q. Is there outdoor play?
A. Yes, children have regular opportunities for outdoor play as part of their day.
Q. What is your settling-in process?
A. Every settling-in plan is tailored to your child and your family, so the transition feels comfortable and secure for everyone.
Q. Are your staff qualified in paediatric first aid?
A. Yes — every single member of staff is trained in paediatric first aid.
Q. Do you cater for children with SEND or dietary requirements?
A. Yes. Our SENCO advocates for every SEND child, working closely with parents and outside services to give each child the best possible start — celebrating every success, however small, at whatever pace suits them. We also cater fully for dietary requirements, with strict attention to food hygiene and safety.
