Phoenix Pre-School

Weekly woodland visits and a garden climbing wall gave Phoenix Pre-School's July 2023 provision a clear outdoor character. Based at Moose Hall in Leigh On Sea, it has capacity for 23 children. That is whole-setting capacity, rather than the size of a daily group.

At its 3 July 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Good overall. Children attending then were aged two to four; play linked practical skills with conversation, counting and imaginative roles.

In July 2023, children visited local woods weekly for an outdoor learning session, exploring nature and their surroundings. The garden added opportunities to climb, ride wheeled toys and hunt for minibeasts. These were different ways to learn outdoors, combining physical activity with close observation.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care, with play providing opportunities to build language, mathematical understanding and everyday skills. In July 2023, number bingo, balancing dinosaur figures against numerals and counting coins in pretend shopping made mathematical ideas tangible.

Adults added descriptive language to play, discussing the texture of wet sand and sharing books with children. Planning began with what children could already do and their interests. However, questioning did not consistently help them explore ideas further or acquire new information. The practical experiences were stronger than some of the follow-up discussion.

At the July 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff understanding signs of possible harm and how to respond to concerns or allegations. Recruitment included suitability checks and references.

In July 2023, sand timers helped children take turns with toys, while adults supported them to recognise emotions and become calmer when upset. Children still relied on adults to settle disagreements, making independent conflict resolution an improvement priority.

Snacks included apples and bananas in July 2023, and children practised pouring drinks for themselves and friends. This gave everyday routines a practical role in developing independence.

Phoenix Pre-School is at Phoenix Pre School, Moose Hall, Leigh On Sea, SS9 1SY.

In July 2023, opening hours were 9am to 3.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 12.30pm on Friday, during term time. Funded education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are dated operating details rather than a current booking offer.

• Developing thinking skills. In July 2023, adults did not consistently use questions to deepen learning. Look for how staff now help children investigate an idea rather than simply describe it.
• Resolving disagreements. Adults managed conflicts in July 2023. Consider how children are helped to negotiate sharing and solve small disputes themselves.
• Planning attendance. The July 2023 opening pattern combined longer Monday-to-Thursday hours with a shorter Friday. What attendance arrangements would fit your family's current routine?

Phoenix merits consideration for families who value outdoor exploration and practical, imaginative play. Its July 2023 provision brought woodland experiences, physical activity and everyday independence together. The balance to weigh is how staff extend children's thinking and support them to resolve disagreements: both were explicit priorities alongside the Good judgement.