Essex Road Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents

This provision is good The manager consistently monitors and evaluates the quality of the provision to develop and improve the good service provided.

Staff plan a good range of activities linked to children's needs and interests. All children are well supported and make good progress from their starting points. Staff support children's speech and language development well.

For example, they talk to the children while they play and introduce new words, which helps children develop their vocabulary and understanding. Staff act as positive role models to children. For example, they speak to children in a calm, quiet and respectful manner, and are warm, welcoming and caring ...towards them.

Children's behaviour is good. Staff work effectively with parents and communicate with them well. Parents contribute to their children's learning and staff provide advice to help children's development at home, such as about toilet-training and eating.

For example, they send home the children's learning journals which contain a range of activities that encourage healthy eating and lifestyles. It is not yet outstanding because: The manager does not monitor groups of children as effectively as possible to ensure that any gaps in learning are quickly addressed. Staff do not make the best use of opportunities that arise, particularly at snack time, to help children develop their independence and confidence in their own abilities.