Downhall Under Fives

Inspection of Downhall Under Fives Ferndale Open Space, Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 9NN

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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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

This is an exceptional early years provision, where children thrive within a nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment. The pre-school offers an outstanding start to children's learning journey and staff demonstrate exemplary practice in all areas of children's learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour and attitudes are superb. They are happy, confident and deeply engaged in high-quality learning. Staff encourage high levels of independence. Children competently select resources, use the bathroom unaided and participate in routines with ease. They arrive eagerly and separate from carers calmly. Children settle quickly, indicating they feel safe and secure with the kind and caring staff. Strong key-person relationships underpin children's sense of security and confidence.

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The provision is outstanding

Behaviour is consistently positive due to excellent role modelling from staff. Children demonstrate respect, cooperation and empathy. Routines such as circle time, registration and group activities are embedded and understood by all. Staff actively ensure the curriculum promotes children's well-being. They teach children about hygiene, nutrition and safety, including how to stay safe in the sun and the importance of drinking lots of water. Staff skilfully use role play and storytelling to support children's emotional exploration. Children express empathy through stories, such as offering comfort or encouragement to their friends. Children make excellent progress in their emotional and social development.

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need to do better?

n Communication and language is a central pillar of the curriculum. Children confidently use advanced vocabulary, such as 'frozen' and 'recipe'. They recall prior learning such as how water freezes and why it melts and apply this knowledge meaningfully during play. Children contribute to group discussions, such as news time. They use language incredibly well to recall and describe events. n Storytelling demonstrates the hallmark of high-quality early years teaching. Sessions are exceptionally well planned and delivered. Staff encourage children to recall the characters, helping them to think critically, reflect deeply and articulate their thoughts with confidence. n Curiosity and perseverance are strong characteristics of the provision. Children initiate tasks such as designing and balancing on beams. Staff support risk taking positively, promoting children's confidence and resilience. Children engage

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need to do better?

with adults in the home corner and are encouraged to think of their own recipes. They excitedly call staff to look at the tiny tomato that has grown on the vine. n Staff make sure children are offered a range of diverse experiences. Children

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need to do better?

1 July 2025 learn about growing vegetables and observe the effects of the sun on ice. They participate in community events, such as VE Day celebrations and visits from an ambulance crew. The extensive curriculum provides children with a window into a wider world of learning while highly skilled teaching encourages the awe and wonder that brings the experiences to life. n Provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is well structured, inclusive and collaborative. Use of tools such as 'now' and 'next' boards and close work with external agencies exemplify best practice in this inclusive provision. Children are highly respected as unique individuals. The provider ensures that the use of additional funding is effective in targeting interventions and extending children's learning. n Children learn through activities that are woven through the areas of learning. For instance, children enthusiastically sing a tooth brushing song, helping to

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need to do better?

promote their motor development, rhythm and health education. Staff embed mathematical concepts in everyday routines. Children confidently count, measure and use comparative language with increasing confidence. n The role of staff is pivotal in the success of the curriculum. Staff are skilled in observing children's play, extending their thinking and using language to support and sustain learning. Interactions are purposeful as staff take time to truly listen and respond, deepening children's understanding and confidence. n Leadership and management are highly effective with a clear strategic vision, reflective practice and a commitment to continuous improvement. Staff feel valued and supported by leaders. They develop autonomy in their teaching and care practices through continuing professional development. n Leaders place high value on preparing children for the next stage of their education. Transitions to school are carefully planned with a range of supportive

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need to do better?

strategies, including school visits. n Parents speak highly of the strong bonds their children have formed with their key persons and how these relationships have fostered secure attachments. Parents credit this as a major contributor to their children's confidence, emotional security and overall progress.

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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 EY403443 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10398134 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 28 Number of children on roll 64 Name of registered person Downhall Under Fives C.I.C

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reference number

Telephone number 07752 960411 Date of previous inspection 4 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Downhall Under Fives registered in 2009. The pre-school operates Monday to Friday, from 9.15am to 4pm, during school term time only. There are 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold an early years qualification at level 6 and six at level 3. The pre-school provides government funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n One of the managers joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector spoke with leaders about the leadership and management of the pre-school. n Parents shared their views with the inspector during the inspection and their views were taken into account. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and interactions, both inside and in the garden. n The inspector viewed a sample of documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n Children spoke to the inspector.

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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

1 July 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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