Roydon Early Years

In September 2022, a log circle, a mud kitchen and stories acted out by children gave Roydon Early Years a recognisable character. In September 2022, children spent much of their nursery day outside, combining imaginative play with counting and shared stories. Outdoor play was central to their experience.

Ofsted rated the setting Good at its 9 September 2022 inspection. Based at The Village Hall in Roydon, it has capacity for 30 children. The children attending in September 2022 were aged one to three; that describes the group at that time rather than today's accepted age range.

In September 2022, the log circle provided a gathering point for the morning routine. Children counted magnetic fish, joined an imaginary bear hunt and made pretend cakes in the mud kitchen, explaining their methods to staff. These activities connected imaginative play with opportunities to practise numbers and conversation.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2022 examples included counting during everyday activities, exploring stories through props and choosing play that reflected children's interests. Staff introduced the idea of adding another item to a count, giving practical meaning to early mathematics.

Books and rhymes also featured in September 2022. Children imagined a story character with their eyes closed and supplied familiar words as adults read. Participation gave them an active role in storytelling, rather than simply listening.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and parent partnership good, with an online learning journal and daily opportunities to speak with a child's key person. Updates explained children's learning and offered ideas for continuing it at home.

In September 2022, children sought staff out for comfort and shared books on cushions. Adults encouraged turn-taking, sharing and putting feelings into words. When children also attended another setting, staff exchanged information to maintain continuity between the two.

Staff supervision in September 2022 included attention to wellbeing and opportunities for professional development. Children also practised everyday tasks, including putting on shoes and washing up after snacks, although staff did not always recognise children's ability to manage tasks themselves, and some routines offered too few opportunities for independence.

The address is The Village Hall, High Road, Roydon, IP22 5RB.

In September 2022, opening hours were 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. At that time, the setting provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. These are historical operating arrangements.

• Conversation during play. In September 2022, some adults extended children's thinking through questions, but sustained exchanges were inconsistent. Developing vocabulary through longer conversations was an improvement priority.
• Everyday independence. In September 2022, some routines gave children too little opportunity to manage tasks themselves. Families who value self-care skills should weigh this alongside the examples of children dressing and helping after snacks.
• Present-day fit. The September 2022 picture combined outdoor play with term-time opening. What ages and attendance arrangements would apply to your child now?

The September 2022 picture of Roydon Early Years will appeal to families who value outdoor imaginative play, shared stories and practical early mathematics. Its September 2022 experience offered concrete examples of all three, alongside communication with parents. The balance is important: richer adult conversation and greater independence in routines were the two areas requiring further work.