Tiny Feet preschool

Vegetable printing, story acting and outings into the neighbourhood give Tiny Feet preschool a recognisable character in its March 2023 account. Based at Southend Hall in Eastham, it has capacity for 40 children. At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall.

Children attending in March 2023 were aged two to four. The strongest practical examples concerned communication and independence: children shared ideas with adults, chose their own play materials and tackled small tasks for themselves.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the March 2023 examples included learning through stories, creative play and everyday routines. Children made prints with vegetables and paint, then used fruit and clothing to act out Handa's Surprise. These activities connected a story with objects children could handle.

During March 2023, singing drew children who were settling into shared activities. Outdoor scooter play gave them opportunities to practise coordination, while regular visits to the supermarket, park and library extended experiences beyond the nursery.

Group activities needed more careful organisation that month. Some became hurried and crowded, and children lost interest. Learning aims were sometimes too general for staff to assess precisely what children had gained.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and positive support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with staff drawing on advice from external professionals.

In March 2023, staff used familiar objects, pictures and selected words to help children learning English communicate. Home languages and cultures were included in nursery life. This gave children several ways to express themselves rather than relying solely on spoken English.

Children sought cuddles and conversation from adults that month. Parents received spoken accounts of their children's learning and valued help with toilet training and emotional needs. Snack routines also gave children practical responsibilities, including pouring drinks and selecting fruit.

The address is Southend Hall, Southend Road, Eastham, London E6 2AA.

In March 2023, opening hours were 9am until 3.30pm on weekdays, during term time. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four that month. These are dated arrangements, relevant when discussing an attendance plan.

• Participation in group activities. In March 2023, crowding and hurried delivery reduced some children's involvement. How are group activities organised now so each child can take part?
• Purposeful learning. Some March 2023 activity aims were too broad to assess clearly. Discuss how staff choose a specific next step for a child and recognise when it has been achieved.
• Term-time planning. The March 2023 opening pattern followed term time. Which current attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family?

Tiny Feet merits consideration for families interested in a preschool experience combining practical independence, story play and neighbourhood outings. Its March 2023 account gives concrete examples of each. The decision should also weigh the two identified weaknesses: participation during group activities and precision about what those activities teach.