Happy Stars T.M Preschool

Inspection of Happy Stars T.M Preschool Thundersley Methodist Preschool, Kennington Avenue, BENFLEET, Essex SS7 4BS

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children flourish in this nurturing, inclusive and stimulating pre-school. Leaders have implemented a purposeful and ambitious curriculum underpinned by four clear pillars. These guide a broad and balanced educational experience. Staff demonstrate a deep understanding of child development. Teaching ensures that every child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for lifelong success. Children form strong, secure attachments with adults, including the setting's leaders. Children demonstrate positive friendships. They express who their best friends are and choose to sit together at lunch.

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The provision is good

From the moment they arrive, children are encouraged to be independent, resilient and curious. Self-registration routines and voting for snack choices promote autonomy and embed British values. Children confidently move around the well- organised, free-flow environment. They make choices that reflect their interests and developmental needs.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They follow routines confidently. Staff use playful and respectful strategies to manage transitions, such as lining up like soldiers when it is time to go inside. This makes routines enjoyable and familiar. Staff support children's confidence in knowing what is expected of them. Children are encouraged to learn the pre-school rules, count with confidence and name the days of the week. These foundational skills are well integrated into daily practice and help prepare children for the next stage of their education.

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need to do better?

n Staff skilfully extend children's thinking and language through high-quality interactions and communication. For example, at the sand tray, children work collaboratively to build sandcastles and share ideas about making a swimming pool. Skilled staff listen attentively and ask open-ended questions to extend thinking. Group times are joyful, inclusive and responsive to children's interests. Children sing familiar songs with enthusiasm. They are encouraged to make choices, contributing to a strong sense of belonging. n Children with complex medical needs and emerging special educational needs and/or disabilities receive exceptional care and tailored support. Staff adapt the environment and resources. For instance, they provide benches, standing frames and specialist seating to ensure all children can access and enjoy the full curriculum. These adaptations allow children to participate meaningfully. They

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need to do better?

foster physical development, engagement and independence. n Children explore mathematical and literacy concepts through real-life experiences. They count buses and identify road signs during walks. This enriches their understanding and supports knowledge retention. Staff model rich

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need to do better?

11 July 2025 vocabulary, including mathematical language such as 'a little' and 'a lot'. n Children are supported effectively to stay safe and healthy in warm weather. They wear hats and play in shaded areas. Staff are highly vigilant in regularly monitoring the temperature and assessing its impact on children's well-being. Children drink water regularly to stay hydrated. n The environment is highly engaging and reflects children's interests. Children are visibly excited as they take part in a bubble activity. They show resilience and perseverance when their initial attempts are unsuccessful. Staff offer praise and encouragement, fostering a growth mindset. During painting activities, children demonstrate curiosity about colour mixing and literacy as they explore sounds and letters in their names. They engage in mark making using a variety of tools and select their own resources. They show early understanding of writing for a

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need to do better?

purpose. n Children show high levels of independence and sustained engagement across activities. Children creatively use pegs to display drawings. This demonstrates pride in their work. Staff praise children often, which helps to motivate them and develop positive attitudes to their learning. n Leaders have implemented new systems for tracking and monitoring children's progress. Checks each term and end-of-year reports ensure that staff can quickly identify children who may need additional support. Leaders regularly analyse data to identify emerging trends, and they act swiftly to address any gaps in progress. n Parental feedback reflects a highly positive view of the setting. Comments consistently highlight strong relationships, effective communication and a welcoming, family-focused environment. Parents feel their children are happy, safe and making strong progress in their development. n New leadership has brought about a positive transformation in the pre-school.

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need to do better?

Generally, there is an emphasis on staff development, reflective practice and building positive relationships with families. However, opportunities for temporary staff to engage in professional development are not always used. This means that not all staff access the same high-level professional development to continually drive improvements in the quality of teaching.

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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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should:

n strengthen the opportunities for temporary staff to access professional

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should:

11 July 2025 development in order to continually improve the already good quality of teaching.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 650157 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10411334 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 23 Name of registered person Thundersley Methodist Church Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01268 756 649 Date of previous inspection 14 February 2020

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Information about this early years setting

Happy Stars T.M Preschool registered in 2000. The pre-school employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 6 and four hold qualifications at level 3. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 9.10am to 2.50pm. The pre-school provides government-funded early years education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector spoke with the manager about the leadership and management of the setting. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation. 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 indoors and outdoors. n The inspector viewed a sample of documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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 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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