Ardleigh Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

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.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.

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.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.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

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.

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 to care for children. As a result, children are placed at risk.

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.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-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.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.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 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.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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

What does the setting need to do to improve?

The provision is inadequate and Ofsted intends to take enforcement action.

We will issue a Welfare Requirements Notice requiring the provider to: Due date 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 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 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 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 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 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