Ardleigh Pre-School

Inspection of Ardleigh Pre-School Ardleigh Village Hall, Station Road, Ardleigh, COLCHESTER CO7 7RS

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Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Children's safety and well-being are compromised due to significant weaknesses in staff's understanding of managing children's health needs and poor practice in the administration of medication. Additionally, staff demonstrate limited competence in identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns. Poor oversight by the provider means that children's safety and welfare are not adequately assured. Consequently, Ofsted suspended the provider's registration during the inspection.

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The provision is inadequate

Despite these weaknesses, children enter the setting with confidence and enjoy their time. They engage in a variety of sensory activities that support both their creativity and physical development. For example, they use small pumps to dispense paint, manipulate tiny brushes in sand and use scissors to cut play dough. These activities help to strengthen the fine motor muscles in their hands while encouraging imaginative exploration.

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The provision is inadequate

Children have opportunities to develop their understanding of different feelings and emotions. Staff read specific stories that encourage children to talk about their feelings and emotions. Children confidently call out that the colour of the monster in the story is 'yellow' and this indicates 'happiness'. This helps children develop emotional literacy and builds confidence in expressing their feelings.

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The provision is inadequate

The provider has recently introduced a new curriculum for children, focusing on helping them get the most out of each activity provided. Staff have received training and support to integrate this approach into daily practice. During the inspection, staff described how they implement this daily. However, the provider later confirmed that this is not reflective of the setting's usual practice.

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need to do better?

n A recent change in committee members has uncovered significant failings in the leadership and management of the setting. For instance, the provider has failed to ensure that the setting's safeguarding policies and procedures are understood and followed when allegations are made against staff. This failing includes those people who hold overall responsibility for safeguarding at the setting. Furthermore, the setting failed to notify Ofsted of significant events, including allegations, within the prescribed time, which is a requirement of their registration. n While the provider carries out appropriate checks when recruiting new staff and committee members, they have not ensured that staff members continue to be suitable for working with children throughout their employment. This includes failing to take necessary action when concerns arise about staff who may be under the influence of alcohol or other substances that could impair their ability

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need to do better?

16 July 2025 to care for children. As a result, children are placed at risk. n Leaders and staff do not act swiftly to share concerns about children's welfare with relevant external agencies when required. They lack professional curiosity and fail to ask relevant questions, when concerns arise about children. Additionally, written records are poorly completed and lack essential detail, leaving staff without the necessary information to determine whether further action is needed. This does not protect children who may be at risk of harm. n Children are encouraged to develop their independence through familiar routines. On arrival, they confidently place their bags on named chairs, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership. Children behave well and respond positively to clear expectations. Most staff support transitions effectively, for example children understand that the setting of a sand timer signals a two-

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need to do better?

minute warning to prepare for moving on to the next activity. However, there have been occasions where staff have used physical intervention unnecessarily to direct children. These incidents were neither recorded nor communicated to parents, reflecting a lack of transparency and accountability in safeguarding practice. n The provider has failed to ensure that staff are adequately trained to implement key safety protocols. During the inspection, the setting's lockdown procedure was initiated. However, staff were observed accessing the garden at the rear of the building and attempting to open the main entrance door, contrary to the established lockdown procedures. This placed children and adults at potential risk of harm. n Children's health is significantly compromised due to the lack of robust and reliable systems for managing their medical needs. Failings have resulted in delays in children receiving essential medication, placing them at considerable

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need to do better?

risk. Furthermore, these delays were only brought to the attention of parents following a review of documentation by newly appointed committee members, rather than being reported in a timely and transparent manner.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Due date

16 July 2025 ensure that all staff, including those with designated safeguarding responsibilities, fully understand and implement the setting's safeguarding policies and procedures, particularly in respect of managing allegations about adults who work with children 22/08/2025

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Due date

implement effective systems to ensure that any person working with children is, and remains, suitable to do so to ensure children's safety and well-being 22/08/2025

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Due date

ensure that concerns about children's safety or welfare are accurately documented by staff and shared without delay with the relevant statutory agencies, to safeguard children effectively 22/08/2025

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Due date

ensure that physical intervention is only used when absolutely necessary, and that all incidents are recorded and shared with parents or carers 22/08/2025

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Due date

ensure that all staff receive appropriate training to understand and implement the setting's policies and procedures, including agreed safety protocols, to keep children and adults safe 22/08/2025

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Due date

ensure children's health needs are managed effectively, medication is given as prescribed, and there is clear communication with parents to protect children's well-being. 22/08/2025

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY430052 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10411805 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 24 Number of children on roll 49 Name of registered person Ardleigh Pre-School

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reference number

Telephone number 07802 882965 Date of previous inspection 21 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Ardleigh Pre-School registered in 2011. The pre-school employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The pre-school operates each weekday during school term times. It is open from 9am to 3.15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Wednesday. The pre-school provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. 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 talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting. 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.

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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

16 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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