Playdays Preschool 7

Inspection of Playdays Preschool 7 Two Gables,Hall Lane Playing Fields, Hall Lane, Upminster, Havering RM14 1AU

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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 arrive at the setting happy and eager to take part in the day. They form strong and trusting relationships with staff, which help them feel safe and secure. Staff support children who speak English as an additional language by learning key vocabulary in their home language. They create displays and books that help children learn about each other's home lives. This helps to celebrate diversity and provides an inclusive culture.

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The provision is good

Leaders work with their team to design and deliver an ambitious curriculum that promotes all areas of children's development. Leaders and staff have consistently high expectations for children's learning and ensure that experiences are carefully planned to develop knowledge and skills.

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The provision is good

Staff place a strong emphasis on developing children's fine motor control and precision. Older children are supported to use tools such as scissors to cut safely, while younger children are encouraged to handle glue spreaders to create artwork. As a result, children strengthen the small muscle groups in their hands and fingers, building the foundations needed for future learning, including early writing. Staff engage children in meaningful conversations about their creations, 'I have small eyes and blue hair,' which further supports language development.

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need to do better?

n Staff gather information from parents when children first start about their care needs, interests and prior learning. They use this information to implement routines and support children to settle. Staff further observe and assess what they already know and can do to help them plan next steps. Leaders work well with other settings' children also attend and share information effectively. n Staff promote positive behaviour consistently. They establish clear expectations that children understand well. Children confidently explain what making 'green choices' means, such as following instructions, walking indoors, and using gentle hands. Staff refer to the rules and give children gentle reminders throughout their day. Consequently, children behave well and quickly adjust their actions when needed. n The support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a real strength of the nursery. Staff skillfully plan structured activities

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need to do better?

to support children's listening, attention, speech and language skills. For example, children wait intently to see what objects will come out of the 'attention bucket'. Staff weave new vocabulary into the activities, such as 'shake' and 'spin'. They work tirelessly with parents and outside agencies to ensure children with SEND receive the very best support and interactions to enhance their care and learning experiences.

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need to do better?

17 September 2025 n Staff effectively promote children's communication and language skills. For example, they ask open-ended questions at snack times, read stories, and join in with children's play to extend conversations. However, when noise levels indoors become too high, it is sometimes difficult for children to listen carefully to staff and to one another. n Staff promote children's independence skills well. Children follow established routines with little support, such as washing their hands. Staff encourage children to self-serve and take part in mealtime routines. For instance, children unpack their food and feed themselves under the supervision of adults. Children learn to manage their self-care needs from a young age. n Staff plan meaningful opportunities for children to engage in mathematics. For example, staff support younger children in identifying shapes and discussing their features. Children say, 'I found a circle' and staff respond saying 'yes, that

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need to do better?

is a circle, and it is round'. Staff challenge older children to identify shapes in the environment based on their properties. Children beam with pride as they discuss the shapes they can see. n Occasionally, staff are not clear enough about what they expect children to learn and overcomplicate the activity. For example, staff sometimes introduce too many concepts and too much information, which causes some children to lose interest. n Parent partnerships are strong. Staff share children's learning during daily conversations and meetings. Leaders provide key information for parents and signpost them to support services. Home learning bags are available to support areas, such as understanding feelings and promoting healthy eating. This helps to promote continued learning at home.

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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 further develop strategies to manage indoor noise levels, to help children fully engage and concentrate on their learning n support staff to ensure they are clear about what they want children to learn and do not overcomplicate activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549971 Local authority Havering Inspection number 10399155 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 32 Number of children on roll 29 Name of registered person John Lakin and Claire Lakin Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 07595603498 Date of previous inspection 21 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Playdays Preschool 7 registered in 2017. It is situated in Upminister, in the London Borough of Havering. The pre-school operates from Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, during term time only. The pre-school provides funded childare to children. The provider employs eight members of staff, including the manager. Of these, six staff hold early years qualifications at level 3 and one staff member is qualified at level 2.

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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 their children to learn. n Staff and parents spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector carried out a join observation. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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

17 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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