Play Planet Pre-School

Inspection of Play Planet Pre-School Resource Centre, Little Gypps Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 9HG

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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

Children excel in this exceptionally nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment, making rapid progress in all areas of learning. Staff deliver a highly responsive curriculum that reflects children's interests. They create inspirational experiences that spark children's curiosity, extend their thinking and foster a lifelong love of learning. Children take ownership of their learning, showing remarkable independence and an impressive 'can-do' attitude. Strong community partnerships, including visits to a local care home, enrich children's understanding of diversity and deepen their social connections.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff place children's emotional well-being at the heart of their practice. They skilfully use calm corners and family tree displays to help children independently recognise, articulate and manage their emotions. Carefully chosen resources, such as books explaining why parents may work from home, ease anxieties and build exceptional levels of resilience. Children arrive eager, confident and ready to engage in purposeful learning from the outset.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff deliver exemplary support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Inclusive strategies, such as visual timetables and sensory resources, ensure that every child accesses the curriculum fully. Staff adapt provision with expertise and respond sensitively to non-verbal cues, enabling children to feel safe, valued and deeply supported. As a result, all children build trust, thrive in their development and achieve highly from their starting points.

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need to do better?

n Staff embed literacy and mathematics seamlessly into real-life contexts. Children count, measure and explore language naturally during play. Experiences such as the dinosaur pit expose children to the natural world, extending vocabulary to include words such as 'camouflage' and 'burrow'. n The provision works extremely closely with families and external professionals to offer tailored support to children. Strategies are shared and reviewed regularly. Staff value professional input and use it effectively to enhance the provision and outcomes for children. n Independence is consistently promoted by staff. Children proudly manage tasks such as putting on their own shoes or tidying away resources. Practitioners offer gentle guidance to build resilience and self-confidence very effectively. n Parents speak extremely positively about the setting, describing it as a 'home from home' where children are nurtured and supported as individuals. They

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need to do better?

highlight significant progress in their children's development, particularly in communication and confidence. n Children benefit from thoughtful use of funding to address gaps in learning,

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need to do better?

12 September 2025 including speech and language. Staff's targeted support ensures that children are well prepared for future learning and can access the curriculum meaningfully. n Staff thoughtfully record themselves reading chosen books and upload the videos, with linked activities. This enables all families to access learning at home. Children enjoy consistent and engaging story experiences that strengthen their language, literacy and communication skills, both at home and in the setting. n Healthy routines are embedded thoroughly into daily life, with children brushing their teeth and experiencing a varied, nutritious menu. Staff consistently encourage positive health habits and broaden children's tastes and dietary experiences, supporting both physical well-being and independence superbly. n Leaders very effectively enhance staff engagement and confidence through regular professional development opportunities, such as autism training.

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need to do better?

Consequently, staff deliver high-quality, responsive care and education, embedding new knowledge into daily practice. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff sensitively support children to look after toys and equipment, resolve conflicts independently and remind one another of behavioural expectations. As a result, children develop strong social skills, show high levels of cooperation and demonstrate consistent positive behaviour. n Staff ensure that cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion are thoroughly embedded into the provision. Children develop respect and understanding for differences in ability, family background and culture. For example, staff introduce Romanian cultural traditions to broaden children's awareness and strengthen their sense of belonging. n Safeguarding practice is extremely impactful. Leaders respond swiftly and appropriately to concerns, working openly with families and professionals to

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need to do better?

reduce risks. Staff are well trained and confident in procedures. Therefore, children are kept safe, and staff feel empowered to manage sensitive situations with confidence. n Partnership with families extends beyond communication. Staff encourage parents to share photos and videos from home, so children's learning is celebrated. Children feel exceptionally proud of their achievements, while parents feel valued as contributors to their child's education.

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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 EY545238 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10399722 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 29 Number of children on roll 30 Name of registered person Play Planet Family Project Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07505171431 Date of previous inspection 12 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Play Planet Pre-School registered in 2017. The setting employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, three members of staff hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 6, three at level 5 and three at level 3. The setting opens from Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 3.30pm, during term time. The setting provides funded early education for children.

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Inspection activities

n The nominated individual, manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the pre-school and discussed the early years curriculum. n The children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual and manager about the leadership and management of the setting. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this is having on the children's learning. n The inspector and the nominated individual carried out a joint observation of a communication and language activity. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n Leaders showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of

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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

12 September 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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