St Marys Church of England Nursery

Inspection of St Marys Church of England Nursery St Mary's Church Rooms, High Road, CHIGWELL, Essex IG7 6QQ

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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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Children are welcomed by kind and attentive staff, who are genuinely pleased to see them. A settling-in process, along with established partnerships with parents, mean staff know the children well before they attend. Therefore, even new children to the nursery demonstrate that they are settled and excited to attend. Children quickly engage with the activities provided. The curriculum is planned to support children for a smooth transition to school. Planned adult-led activities build on what children already know and their interests, along with seasonal themes, such as autumn. In addition, the nursery principles, such as being kind, part of a community, curious and a confident talker, underpin the intentions for learning. An inclusive environment and a variety of resources that are easily accessible on open shelving, help children self-select and support their own ideas. The curriculum provides many worthwhile experiences to enable all children to make good

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The provision is good

Children establish close and trusting bonds with their key person. For example, they seek them out when they need reassurance or a cuddle and confidently approach staff when they need help. The staff are nurturing and reassuring role models, and offer children praise for their efforts. Children understand the rules and expectations of the nursery and play well together, showing kindness and concern for their friends. Therefore, children's behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The management and staff have worked hard since the last inspection to implement the required changes. They have positively engaged with local authority advisers, and completed some appropriate training to enhance their knowledge and understanding of how children learn, to improve outcomes for children. n Children are provided with a broad, flexible curriculum that supports children's interests. For example, children decide they need a home for dinosaurs. They show sustained concentration as they design and work together. They paint and decorate boxes, skilfully supported by staff. They decide dinosaurs need bridges and places to hide, and problem solve as to how this is to be achieved. They receive lots of skilful encouragement. Children persevere and are thrilled with the praise they receive for their efforts. n Children relish opportunities to run at speed, developing physical skills as they play in the garden. They play well in small groups as they scoop water from the

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need to do better?

water tray. They show fascination in sea creatures they find among the bubbles. They talk about the sharks, octopus and squids. Children discuss simple mathematics as they play, for example they spontaneously count their collection of squids and talk about how many are left when they put some back in the

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need to do better?

25 September 2025 water. n Children have a variety of opportunities to express their creativity. They engage in shared large-model art as they paint boxes. They mix paints and make predictions as to what colour they make. They discuss shapes, size and textures and some enjoy the sensory feel of paint on their hands. n Children show interest at group story time. They listen carefully to rhyming words, such as 'round' and 'ground', as staff describe conkers and encourage children to predict what is in the bag. Younger children eagerly interact with group singing and learn new words to songs. However, on occasions staff do not encourage further discussion or give children time to process information and respond. n Parents speak positively about all aspects of the nursery. They comment that the staff are welcoming, friendly and nurturing. They discuss their child's eagerness to attend and the progress they make. They say they are assured their children

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need to do better?

are in safe hands. n A good settling-in process ensures staff know the children well. They have a good understanding of child development and where children are in their progress when they first attend. However, while there are some systems in place to communicate daily and share some information with parents, there are fewer opportunities to discuss ongoing progress, so as to support children's learning at home. n The kind and attentive staff say they feel motivated, valued and that their welfare is considered. Staff welcome the support now in place, such as regular supervisions and training opportunities available. However, a culture of evaluation and mutual support is not yet securely embedded to ensure continuous improvement.

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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 improve staff's knowledge and understanding further of how to consistently promote children's speech and language development n continue to strengthen partnerships with parents to routinely share information about their child's progress and help them extend and support children's learning at home n continue to strengthen a culture of mutual support and teamwork to ensure ongoing continuous improvement.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 402085 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10376549 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 32 Number of children on roll 27

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Name of registered person

St Mary's Church of England Nursery Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 0208 5599574 Date of previous inspection 26 November 2024

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Information about this early years setting

St Marys Church of England Nursery registered in 1996 and is situated in Chigwell, Essex. The nursery employs seven members of staff. Of these, six hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 and above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday during term time, from 9.15am until 12.15pm Monday and Friday, and 9.15am until 2.45pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The nursery provides government funded early years education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager showed the inspector around the areas that children access. n They discussed how staff organise the environment and plan the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector and manager carried out a joint observation. n The inspector held discussions with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of documents, which included evidence about staff's suitability and training. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has 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

25 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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