Little Chestnuts Preschool

Homemade kites and a snack-time conversation that became a Goldilocks story capture the character of Little Chestnuts Preschool in October 2021: children pursued their ideas, while staff turned everyday moments into learning. Ofsted rated the preschool Outstanding at its 21 October 2021 inspection.

Based at the Karis May Darling Centre in Corringham, the setting has capacity for 40 children. Children attending in October 2021 were aged two to four; the account below describes practice at that time.

In October 2021, children chose between indoor and outdoor activities and selected materials for their own projects. Making kites involved a hole punch, string and pipe cleaners, bringing practical problem-solving into creative play. Younger children explored what happened when they attached string to objects. The activity left room for different stages of development.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, with play supporting learning. In October 2021, staff used signs and pictures alongside conversation, and questions encouraged children to explain their ideas and try new vocabulary.

Outdoor paint mixing gave children a reason to predict colours. Opening a packet of brushes became another small challenge: children discussed possible solutions before deciding on scissors. These were opportunities to work things out rather than simply follow instructions.

A conversation about porridge also led to finding and retelling Goldilocks. Familiar experiences became starting points for stories.

At the October 2021 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, exceptional support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and excellent progress, including for children learning English as an additional language.

In October 2021, key-person relationships supported children's emotional wellbeing, with staff adapting their responses to individual needs. Sharing and taking turns were taught through helping children understand feelings and the effects of their actions. Close contact with families and professional agencies helped staff understand children's preferences and needs.

Parent workshops in October 2021 explained how children learned and offered ideas for continuing that learning at home. Leaders also worked alongside practitioners, giving immediate suggestions about teaching. Progress monitoring helped staff spot gaps, while safeguarding discussions and quizzes refreshed their knowledge. Children practised everyday safety too, explaining why spilled sand needed sweeping up.

The address is Karis May Darling Centre, Springhouse Road, Corringham, Stanford-Le-Hope, SS17 7LS.

In October 2021, attendance ran on weekdays during term time, with session windows of 8.30am to 11.30am and 11.45am to 2.45pm. These describe the arrangements at that date. The preschool then received funding for free early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• Attendance planning. The October 2021 arrangements used two term-time session windows. What attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child now?
• Learning together. Parent workshops were part of the October 2021 approach. For families who value practical ideas for home, that element deserves attention alongside the children's activities.

Little Chestnuts' October 2021 strengths lay in responsive relationships and play that gave children real problems to solve. The dated account will interest families who value child-led exploration and close communication with practitioners. Its morning and afternoon session arrangements also made it relevant to families seeking shorter attendance patterns during term time. Keep that historical offer separate from decisions about a place today.