Richmond Pre-school CIC

Pasta-filled shakers, watering cans and fruit preparation give Richmond Pre-school CIC a practical character: children learn by making, testing and taking responsibility. These examples belong to May 2022, rather than a snapshot of today's provision.

At its 10 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Outstanding, finding ambitious teaching that matched children's next steps and supported their progress. The setting has capacity for 40 children at South Benfleet Primary School on High Road in Benfleet (SS7 5HA); children attending in May 2022 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care, with play providing opportunities to build skills. In May 2022, children explored sound by putting pasta into pots, predicting how changing the contents would affect the noise. This brought conversation and experimentation into the same activity.

During that month, stories introduced unfamiliar vocabulary, while rhymes encouraged animal noises and songs prompted marching or tiptoeing. Language practice ran through activities rather than sitting apart from them. Children also persisted with tower building when it became difficult, practising patience alongside construction.

Indoor and outdoor resources were accessible for children to choose independently in May 2022. Outside, children cooperated over watering plants; at snack time, they prepared fruit and cleaned their plates afterwards. Those small responsibilities made independence something to practise, rather than simply an adult expectation.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, close relationships between children and staff, and effective SEND support through individual plans, repeated assessment and collaboration with external agencies. For families needing additional support, the important detail is the combination of planning and coordinated help.

In May 2022, practitioners responded to children's individual needs and helped them cooperate with one another. Staff development included training in communication and language, supported by regular supervision, giving practitioners opportunities to develop their teaching.

Parent communication in May 2022 included explanations of children's learning and help with preparing for school. During the pandemic, families had also taken part in online activities and received regular contact. The practical value was continuity between learning at home and at pre-school.

The pre-school is based at South Benfleet Primary School on High Road in Benfleet (SS7 5HA).

In May 2022, opening hours were 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. At that time, the pre-school provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. These are dated operating details, useful as background when considering the setting.

• Current attendance arrangements. The May 2022 opening window was term-time weekdays, from 8.45am to 3.15pm. At a visit, what attendance patterns, age range and funding arrangements now apply?
• Learning through responsibility. In May 2022, children prepared fruit, washed plates and helped water plants. This emphasis will appeal to parents who value practical independence.
• Age of the judgement. The Outstanding judgement dates to May 2022. Treat it as a strong assessment of provision at that point, rather than a description of today's daily practice.

Richmond's May 2022 account will appeal to families seeking play-led learning, practical independence and support that connects home with pre-school. The strongest examples are ordinary tasks made educational: experimenting with sound, caring for plants and preparing a snack. Its Outstanding judgement gives that historical picture weight; the date matters when making a present-day choice.