Shining Starz Pre-School

Worm hunting in a growing area, movement games on a mat and older children helping newcomers with painting give Shining Starz Pre-School a recognisable character. These were features of its daily life in May 2026: practical experiences, shared routines and opportunities to become more independent.

At its May 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six evaluated areas to be at the Expected standard and safeguarding standards to be met. The setting has capacity for 50 children in Romford; children attending at that visit were aged two to four.

In May 2026, children used a spacious, light playroom and a small outdoor area. Physical games encouraged them to experiment with movement, while searching for worms in the growing area held their attention. These examples give families a concrete picture of learning through active exploration.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. In May 2026, counting children and comparing quantities brought mathematics into familiar routines, while discussions about yesterday and today encouraged listening and recall.

Older children demonstrated painting techniques to newcomers in the mixed-age group. A clapping cue helped children move from play to tidying and carpet time. Independence developed through participation in ordinary tasks, rather than being confined to a separate activity.

Language teaching needed greater consistency. In May 2026, practitioners sometimes missed opportunities to build on children's spoken sentences with additional vocabulary and more complex grammar.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that key-person relationships offered comfort, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities generally received appropriate adaptations, and visual support was not used consistently enough during transitions. The practical concern was specific: children who needed a now and next board could sometimes face a change of activity without that support.

In May 2026, a six-week settling period helped staff build relationships with families. Speech and language therapists and occupational therapists contributed professional support, and teachers visited to discuss children moving on to primary school. Those conversations supported continuity between settings.

Children helped prepare the snack table, used illustrated handwashing guidance and ate under staff supervision in May 2026. Staff also helped children recognise their emotions and consider what might make them feel better.

The address is St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 5 Park End Road, Romford, RM1 4AT. There are 50 places in total.

In May 2026, opening hours were 8.30am to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This dated opening window gives families a practical reference point for the setting's operating pattern at that time.

• Language development. Sentence extension was an improvement priority in May 2026. Ask how practitioners now add vocabulary and develop children's spoken ideas during play.
• Visual support. Consistent use of transition prompts needed attention in May 2026. Discuss how a child's individual communication aids follow them between activities.
• Attendance planning. The May 2026 opening pattern covered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. What current attendance arrangement would fit your family's week?

Shining Starz suits families who value a mixed-age preschool experience with practical play and opportunities for independence. Its May 2026 picture combines settled routines and professional support with clear work to do on language extension and reliable visual prompts. Those teaching details matter more to a decision than capacity alone.