Hawkesbury Pre School

Colour mixing, growing strawberries and watching caterpillars change into butterflies give Hawkesbury Pre School's inspection-era story its character. At its May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Outstanding and found that its ambitious curriculum helped children progress through play shaped around their interests.

Based in the grounds of Canvey Infant School on Canvey Island, the pre-school has capacity for 40 children. Children attending in May 2022 were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the inspection date.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: play provides opportunities to practise communication, physical skills and independence. In May 2022, staff extended children's interests with challenges rather than separating learning from their chosen activities.

Practical exploration made ideas tangible. In May 2022, children experimented with colours to make purple, planted strawberries and followed caterpillars' transformation into butterflies. Comparing the caterpillars' growth and connecting a story with foods eaten at snack and lunch brought several strands of learning together.

Thai Pongal, a Sri Lankan festival, featured in May 2022 learning about celebrations important to children's friends. Fundraising for local charities also introduced children to other people's circumstances. These experiences gave social learning concrete subjects to discuss.

Outside, the May 2022 activities included riding toy cars and using a slide. Staff allowed time for repeated practice, making physical play an opportunity to work on skills at each child's pace.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective and praised SEND support, including training tailored to children's learning and medical needs and targeted work with parents and professionals. That provides a dated assessment of both protection and individual support.

Communication was woven into everyday activities in May 2022 through songs, music and stories. Children could borrow games and books for use with their families, connecting experiences at pre-school with time at home.

Everyday routines also offered practice in independence in May 2022. Children poured their own drinks and worked on putting on coats and shoes. Adults used a calm, consistent approach to behaviour, with encouragement and praise.

The address is in the grounds of Canvey Infant School, Long Road, Canvey Island, SS8 0JG. Sharing the school site does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

In May 2022, the pre-school operated on weekdays during school terms, with sessions running from 8.45am to 3.30pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are dated arrangements rather than a current booking offer.

• Attendance planning. The May 2022 timetable was term-time and weekday based. At a visit, ask which session patterns and funded arrangements now fit your child's age and your working week.
• School-site expectations. The Canvey Infant School address offers a clear location, but nursery attendance does not secure Reception admission. Plan the school application separately.
• Individual support. The May 2022 assessment highlighted training for specific learning and medical needs. Discuss how that approach would translate into support for your child.

Hawkesbury suits families drawn to practical exploration, communication through stories and music, and everyday opportunities to build independence. Its Outstanding judgement is from May 2022, when the attendance model served families seeking weekday, term-time sessions. The strongest reasons to consider it are the concrete learning experiences and the dated assessment of individual support.