Queens Pre-School @ The Old Stables

Inspection of Queens Pre-School @ The Old Stables 191 Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill IG9 5DJ

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this exceptional pre-school. Staff provide an abundance of opportunities that promote awe and wonder, inspired by children's interests and passions. Children are confident explorers and are highly motivated to learn. The quality of staff interactions is exemplary. Staff consistently engage in purposeful play alongside children, skilfully using questions to deepen their understanding and extend thinking. For example, in the reading corner, staff support children to research snake patterns online, promoting co-research and critical thinking. Staff help children build on their understanding of scientific concepts, such as melting and freezing, through ice play. Children use hammers to chip away at the ice and talk about how it will melt. They explore the impact of mixing different materials together to make volcano eruptions in the outside area.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They form strong friendships, show genuine respect for staff, and are emotionally secure. Children's voices are consistently valued, with staff actively seeking and responding to their views, which enhances their sense of belonging and well-being. Staff are exceptional role models who set high expectations. They offer warm praise throughout the day and celebrate achievements through 'Star of the Day' awards, helping children to have high levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n Staff deliver a rich, ambitious, and highly responsive curriculum with a clear focus on preparing children for the next stage of their education. They are highly skilled at identifying what children need to learn next and introduce new learning opportunities through a wealth of engaging and inspiring learning opportunities. Children are empowered to take part in risky play. For example, children are supervised to use knives to cut vegetables, experience bonfires in the outside area, and use hammers and pins in their play. These well-managed activities promote children to develop high levels of confidence and self-belief in their own abilities. n Children's experiences are significantly broadened through an extensive enrichment programme. Weekly visits to a local care home promote intergenerational relationships and children regularly participate in community outings, such as, library visits, and trips to the community allotment to grow

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need to do better?

herbs and vegetables. These experiences successfully promote children's understanding of the world and support language-rich learning opportunities, supporting their communication development. n Children's independence is promoted at every opportunity. From attending to their self-care skills and making their own breakfast, to confidently self-serving lunch, children are given the tools and time to do things for themselves. Staff

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need to do better?

11 April 2025 support this through calm, well-organised routines and clear expectations. Allergy procedures are followed with diligence, and children themselves demonstrate an exceptional awareness of dietary needs, reflecting a culture of mutual respect and safety. n Staff support children to develop respect of their own background and that of others. Children confidently share their experiences from home, and differences are openly celebrated and discussed. Staff share their unique cultures and diversity. For example, children learn to cook soups prepared for Jewish festivals. Children engage in chopping vegetables, counting quantities, and tasting new foods, all while developing practical skills, knowledge about food origins and their understanding of the significance of traditions. n Parents praise the high standards of care and feel exceptionally well informed about their child's progress. The pre-school uses a variety of communication

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need to do better?

strategies to ensure all parents can engage meaningfully with their child's education. Parents are actively involved in the pre-school, attending regular workshops and contributing their own experiences and professions during sessions with the children. Regular opportunities to provide feedback through surveys, allow parents to have a strong voice and contribute significantly to their child's learning. n Leaders are highly reflective and proactive in ensuring that children are receiving the very best experiences. Staff are extremely well supported with regular support. They have access to a wide range of further training opportunities to help them continually build on their skills. Initiatives, such as appointing 'Passion Leaders', empower staff to bring their interests into practice. Staff's well-being is a clear priority, with leaders fostering a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere. Staff share they feel extremely valued and respected.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2709269 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10380786 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 48 Number of children on roll 53 Name of registered person Children-First Info Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07516222121 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Queens Pre-School @ The Old Stables registered in 2022. It is one of four nurseries in private ownership. The pre-school employs 11 members of staff. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including one who holds qualified teacher status. The nursery caters for children between two years and under five years. It operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, for 51 weeks of the year. The nursery provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity in the Ponies room with the manager. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. The inspector spoke with parents and carers during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the staff working in the nursery and a selection of other records.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

11 April 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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