Bright Stars Pre-School

Communication gives Bright Stars Pre-School its character: in March 2023, children used pictures, gestures and simple signing alongside spoken language, giving them different ways to join in. At its 15 March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Outstanding.

Based at Ongar Primary School in Ongar, Essex, the setting accepts children aged two to five. Its strongest inspection-era detail is the attention given to helping children express themselves, choose activities and manage small tasks independently.

In March 2023, children could choose between indoor play and the garden, selecting resources to develop their own ideas. Children also used scooters. Independence also appeared in everyday routines: children fetched tissues and disposed of them themselves, rather than relying on adults to complete each step.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. In practice, that means learning extends through play, communication and everyday routines. In March 2023, staff organised learning in stages, drawing on children's interests and recurring research projects. They gave children time to answer questions and practised language through conversation, repetition and signing.

Sharing was part of that daily experience. During March 2023, children helped one another reach and organise toys, while older children demonstrated considerate behaviour for those joining the group.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised the tailored support and progress of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), supported by cooperation with parents and other professionals.

In March 2023, pictures and objects helped children who were not speaking to communicate. Staff encouraged simple signing, while children with limited speech also communicated through gestures and pointing. Training in signing involved the neighbouring school.

Relationships with parents had practical substance. In March 2023, families received information about their children's activities and development, and staff worked with them on individual care needs. Staff also helped children separate from their parents, giving the beginning of the day personal support.

The address is Ongar Primary School, Milton Crescent, Ongar, Essex CM5 0FF. Attendance is term-time, with closures during school holidays and bank holidays.

In March 2023, sessions ran from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, and funded early education covered children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements. Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place at Ongar Primary School; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Term-time attendance. School holidays and bank holidays are closure periods. Families needing childcare during those breaks should include that requirement in their decision.
• School-site setting. The Ongar Primary School address brings school admissions into the planning process. A pre-school place does not secure a Reception place.
• Planning a visit. With the March 2023 session pattern as a starting point, what attendance arrangements and written quotation would apply now, including funded hours, meals and consumables?

Bright Stars suits families seeking term-time preschool provision who value communication and independence. The March 2023 account gives concrete substance to its Outstanding judgement: children had several ways to express themselves, meaningful choices in play and support with everyday tasks. That dated picture is the strongest reason to consider it.