Corpus Christi Pre-School

In September 2021, conkers, play dough and a story-linked bear’s den illustrated Corpus Christi Pre-School’s hands-on play and conversation. At its September 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised effective work with other professionals to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The pre-school has 30 places in total at Parish Hall, Lowshoe Lane, Romford, RM5 2AP. Children attending in September 2021 were aged two to three; that is an inspection-time age range.

In September 2021, children explored conkers, comparing their prickly cases with the smooth contents. Conversations gave them opportunities to describe textures and differences. Making play dough brought another kind of exploration, combining hand movements with talking about ideas and feelings.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children’s learning, development and care. In practice, this means experiences across areas of learning, with play and children’s interests helping shape what they do.

During September 2021, repeated phrases in books encouraged children to anticipate what came next. Staff extended a story into den-building for a bear, connecting reading with imaginative play. Hoops and small bicycles supported movement, with physical activities taking place indoors and outdoors.

There was also a clear limitation: in September 2021, the role-play space needed more frequent changes and more opportunities for children to interact with it. For families who value pretend play, that is a useful point to explore.

In September 2021, children had affectionate relationships with staff and friendships with one another. Family photographs helped them discuss similarities and differences between their homes and experiences, giving familiar people a place in their nursery day.

Communication extended beyond conversations: parents used an online app to continue learning at home. However, during September 2021, staff did not consistently gather children’s previous childcare histories or exchange information with earlier providers before they started. That matters when a child is moving between settings.

Children brought snacks from home in September 2021. Staff encouraged healthy choices, and drinking water was available throughout the day.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is Parish Hall, Lowshoe Lane, Romford, RM5 2AP. In September 2021, attendance was term-time, Monday to Friday, with sessions running from 8.30am to 3.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 8.30am to 11.30am on Thursday and Friday. Children attending at that point used morning sessions.

Funding and Paid Extras

In September 2021, the pre-school offered funded early education for children aged two, three and four. The snack arrangement at that time was parent-provided, rather than nursery-supplied food.

• Previous childcare experience. September 2021 highlighted incomplete information-sharing before children started. How will staff gather your child’s history and communicate with their previous setting?
• Imaginative play. The September 2021 role-play space needed refreshing. On a visit, explore how it now encourages children to invent stories and take different roles.
• Attendance pattern. September 2021 combined longer sessions early in the week with shorter Thursday and Friday sessions. Which current booking pattern would fit your family’s week?

Corpus Christi Pre-School’s September 2021 picture suits families drawn to conversational, practical play: stories became dens, natural objects prompted discussion, and an app connected learning with home. Its term-time pattern then accommodated both longer days and morning attendance. Balance that appeal against the two clear development points: gathering previous childcare information and refreshing role-play.