Romford United Reformed Church Playgroup

A story about a bunny searching for Easter eggs, musical instruments and experiments with magnets gave children plenty to talk about in March 2023. Conversation connected the activities: children predicted what might happen in a story and learnt words for the instruments they played.

Ofsted rated Romford United Reformed Church Playgroup Outstanding at its 22 March 2023 inspection. Based at the church on Western Road in Romford, the playgroup has capacity for 27 children; those attending in March 2023 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing language, physical skills and early reading into everyday experiences. In March 2023, group activities explored letters and sounds, while drawing and other mark-making gave children practice controlling tools. Songs combined words, movement and taking turns.

Practical exploration had a clear place. In March 2023, children experimented with magnets and poured water from jugs to turn a spinner in the water tray. These activities gave them something concrete to test and discuss, rather than an answer simply to remember.

The garden added movement to the day. In March 2023, children ran around obstacles and used outdoor equipment, practising coordination and judging the space around them.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff providing close supervision, and judged support for children learning English as an additional language especially strong. This matters for families whose children are developing confidence in more than one language.

In March 2023, staff knew their key children and used assessment to plan what they would learn next; conversation continued at snack time. Children sought help from adults and managed their own coats and shoes, linking trusted relationships with growing independence.

Staff meetings and training were regular in March 2023. Leaders also celebrated children's achievements at home and in the setting, connecting those parts of their lives. Parents valued the support given during the move to school.

The address is Romford United Reformed Church, 58 Western Road, Romford, RM1 3LP.

In March 2023, opening hours were 9am to midday, Monday to Friday, during school terms. At that time, the playgroup provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements, rather than a current attendance commitment.

• Today's arrangements. The March 2023 opening pattern covered term-time mornings. How do current hours, accepted ages and funding terms fit your family's needs?
• Language through activity. In March 2023, stories, instruments and snack-time conversation gave children several ways to practise speaking. That emphasis is relevant for families who value discussion alongside practical play.

For families drawn to a playgroup where books, music and hands-on exploration shape early learning, the March 2023 account gives concrete reasons to consider this setting. Its strongest examples combine conversation with things children can do themselves: predicting a story, pouring water and managing their clothing. The Outstanding judgement belongs to that inspection date; the practical fit rests on today's arrangements.