Headstart Pre school

With 13 places in total for children aged two to five, Headstart Pre school offers small-scale care in South Ockendon. Practical independence was a strength observed in November 2022. At its November 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good and found safeguarding effective.

The detail behind that judgement matters. In November 2022, children chose resources, served themselves snacks and poured drinks. These were everyday opportunities to practise doing things for themselves, rather than independence being reserved for a planned activity.

In November 2022, learning followed children's interests: conversations about families led to role play and discussions using photographs of homes. Familiar subjects gave children something concrete to talk about and helped staff extend their language.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the November 2022 examples included counting through songs, comparing sizes and extending vocabulary during play. Children could also lead singing themselves, giving them a chance to contribute rather than simply follow.

Physical resources supported careful hand movements. In November 2022, children arranged fresh flowers in play dough and retrieved hidden objects from sand using tweezers. Indoor and outdoor resources were accessible for children to choose. However, noise sometimes interfered with listening and concentration, making the organisation of the environment an important consideration.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that children made good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with targeted support coordinated alongside parents and other professionals. That finding gives substance to the account of individual support rather than relying on a general promise of inclusion.

In November 2022, key persons shared feedback with families and explained children's next learning steps so these could be continued at home. Staff also helped children discuss feelings and work through disagreements. Self-care included washing hands, blowing noses and learning to use the toilet: practical skills with immediate value in a young child's day.

The address is Headstart Preschool, Flat 1 Darenth Lane, South Ockendon, RM15 5LY. Opening hours are 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure in school holidays.

In November 2022, morning sessions ran from 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoon sessions from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. At that time, the preschool received early-education funding for two-, three- and four-year-olds. These dated arrangements should be distinguished from the current opening window.

• Noise and concentration. In November 2022, the environment sometimes made careful listening difficult. During a visit, look at how quieter activities are protected from busier play.
• Attendance and funding. How do today's booked sessions and funded-hours arrangements work, including any charges for food or consumables?
• Individual support. Targeted activities and collaboration with families were strengths in November 2022. Discuss how support would be planned around your child's particular needs.

The November 2022 findings highlighted practical independence, interest-led play and individual support. That dated picture suits parents who value those everyday experiences in a small setting. For families considering morning or afternoon attendance, the November 2022 sessions provide a dated picture of its approach; the current term-time opening window is the firmer planning fact. The concentration concern deserves attention alongside the positive findings.