Noah's Ark Christian Pre-School, Buckhurst Hill

Large model teeth, bicycles and a playhouse give this church-hall pre-school a concrete character: practical learning alongside active play. These were features of daily life in May 2022, rather than abstract promises about early education.

Ofsted rated the pre-school Good on 13 May 2022 and judged its safeguarding arrangements effective. It has capacity for 48 children at St. Stephens Church Hall in Buckhurst Hill; the children attending in May 2022 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Learning includes developing language, physical skills and everyday care habits: in May 2022, children explored descriptive words, played outdoors and learnt about toothbrushing.

In May 2022, dental activities included oversized teeth, toothbrushes and appointment cards. Children could explore oral health through pretend play, giving a practical purpose to learning about toothbrushing. Staff also introduced descriptive vocabulary during activities, helping children put words to their experiences.

Outside, the May 2022 provision included a playhouse, bicycles and large building blocks. These gave children different ways to move, construct and play together. Children invited others into games, while adults used gentle reminders and praise to guide behaviour.

At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that children with additional needs received effective support and made rapid learning progress, including children beginning to learn English as an additional language. That is a dated strength, rather than a guarantee of any individual child's experience.

In May 2022, key persons used conversations about home life during settling to shape children's next steps. Parents received regular progress updates, creating a connection between learning at the pre-school and at home.

Support also started before formal assessments were complete: in May 2022, staff worked with families and external professionals, with individual or group activities linked to children's care plans. Adults offered reassurance when children struggled with emotions. Handwashing before snacks, drinking water and fruit were part of the day's health routines.

The address is St. Stephens Church Hall, Albert Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 6FD.

In May 2022, the pre-school operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 9.15am to 12.15pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. Those arrangements describe the attendance model at that date.

• Staff development. In May 2022, staff shortages prevented access to relevant training, and more precisely targeted professional development was the improvement priority. Ask how training now addresses the team's practical challenges.
• Morning attendance. The May 2022 pattern was a term-time morning session. Before planning childcare around it, ask whether today's attendance and funding arrangements match your family's needs.

For families considering a sessional pre-school, the May 2022 picture offers useful substance: practical oral-health learning, outdoor equipment and communication between key persons and parents. The training limitation deserves equal attention. The May 2022 attendance model suits families seeking a term-time morning pre-school routine, with the judgement and daily-life examples read in their dated context.