Harold Wood Pre School

A buddy bench gave children a simple way to find company at Harold Wood Pre School: sit down when you want someone to play with. That small detail captures the emphasis on friendship in September 2021. Based at Harold Wood Methodist Church in Romford, the setting has capacity for 35 children.

At its September 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good overall and behaviour and attitudes Outstanding. Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest examples concerned children sharing materials, expressing feelings and persisting with challenges.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing learning into play and everyday routines. In September 2021, activities followed a sequence that built on children's existing knowledge: a visual schedule helped explain time, while sand timers made taking turns tangible.

Younger children experimented with locks and fastenings and combined pine cones, water and mud in imaginative games. Older children explored paint mixing and kept working at construction models when connecting the pieces proved difficult. These were practical opportunities to investigate, solve problems and make choices.

Outdoor play happened daily that September, with climbing and balancing giving children opportunities to judge risks. The buddy bench supported social play; children also noticed when others wanted to join their games and shared what they were using.

At the September 2021 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, good progress including for children learning English as an additional language and those receiving funding, and individual learning plans addressing identified gaps. Staff understood how to act on welfare concerns, with training and recruitment checks supporting their practice.

In September 2021, pictures and simple signs helped children communicate preferences and needs. Daily books and stories extended vocabulary, and older children retold familiar stories. Parents received information about progress and next steps, while staff had regular coaching and training.

Children practised recognising their own physical needs, including getting water and wiping their noses, as preparation for school. Fresh vegetables and fruit featured at snack time that September, although messages about unhealthy food and dental care needed greater consistency. Family occasions were celebrated, including a Christmas nativity play for parents, but learning about communities beyond children's own experience needed development.

The address is Harold Wood Methodist Church, The Drive, Harold Wood, Romford RM3 0DU.

In September 2021, opening hours were 9am to noon on Tuesdays and 9am to 3pm on the other weekdays, during term time. The setting also received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. These are dated operating arrangements.

• Attendance and costs. The September 2021 timetable included a shorter Tuesday. What are today's attendance patterns, funded-hour arrangements and terms for meals and consumables?
• Understanding other communities. In September 2021, children's experiences needed to extend further beyond familiar families and communities. This matters for learning about lives different from their own.
• Food and teeth. September 2021 snack choices included fruit and vegetables, but explanations about unhealthy foods and looking after teeth were inconsistent. Healthy choices and understanding their purpose are separate considerations.

Harold Wood Pre School merits consideration for families who value friendship, practical exploration and support for communication. Its September 2021 examples show how everyday resources helped children practise independence and persistence. The two improvement priorities also matter: broader social understanding and clearer health messages should sit alongside those strengths.