A HARLOW pre-school has been rated Outstanding following a government inspection.

Kidz OK is based at Little Parndon Primary School.

The report states:

Children settle exceptionally well in this outstanding setting. They are warmly welcomed by staff who engage with families to share key information.

Staff are highly skilled and deliver a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum in which children thrive.

Children quickly immerse themselves and become deeply engaged in their learning environment, choosing from a wide range of resources tailored to their interests.

They show exceptional confidence, curiosity and a love for learning.

Staff play alongside children, helping to build on their learning and development, making the most of teachable moments to help children build on what they know and can do and what they need to do next.

Children’s choices are consistently valued, from selecting songs during group time to influencing their learning environment. Independence and confidence are fostered through routines.

Children proudly take responsibility such as by announcing snack time by ringing a bell. They choose when to eat, serve themselves from the healthy snack station and are encouraged to try new foods, receiving praise from staff.

Children display exemplary behaviour, responding positively to staff guidance. Kindness and achievements are celebrated through ‘wow’ and ‘kind-hand’ awards, reinforcing positive interactions and boosting self-esteem.

Children show deep respect for staff and their peers, forming strong friendships and playing together harmoniously.

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

Transitions into the setting and on to school are managed with great care. Staff work closely with families to ensure a smooth settling-in process, offering stay-and-play sessions and gradually increasing transition times based on individual needs.

Children receive a book featuring their new teachers to help them become familiar with their new environment. Staff also establish strong relationships with local schools, ensuring children develop essential skills, such as independence and emotional resilience, to support their readiness for school.

Staff use expert teaching strategies, including open-ended questioning to encourage children to solve problems. Communication and language are a strong focus, with staff using signing and visual prompts to support children’s understanding.

Children develop literacy skills through engaging storytelling sessions using props. They recall the meaning of words they have learned, such as ‘grazing’, and confidently use new words in conversation.

The setting is highly committed to supporting children with gaps in their development. Staff work closely with a wide range of external professionals to ensure children receive appropriate interventions.

Children benefit from meticulous, individualised support, allowing them to fully engage with learning experiences. This ensures that all children, regardless of their starting points, make significant progress in their learning and development.

The outdoor environment is superbly resourced, supporting physical development and exploration.

Children become immersed in exploring mud kitchens and gardening activities. They build essential strength in their core muscles as they navigate over climbing equipment and play on see-saws.

The setting is highly inclusive, providing excellent support for children with English as an additional language.

Staff make thoughtful adaptations, incorporating dual-language books and speaking children’s home languages.

Cultural diversity is celebrated, promoting a strong sense of belonging and encouraging children to appreciate what makes them unique.

The ‘I wonder’ board is a particularly effective tool in sparking discussions about cultural celebrations and broadening children’s understanding of the world.

Mathematics is seamlessly woven throughout daily activities. Counting and exposure to visual numbers help children to learn how to count and recognise numbers. They manipulate puzzles, helping to build on positional learning.

These help children to build on the foundations for understanding mathematical concepts.

The setting demonstrates outstanding practice in building trusting partnerships with parents. Staff go above and beyond to establish secure bonds with families, ensuring they fully understand their needs. Bespoke workshops are offered to parents, covering key topics, such as communication development and school readiness, ensuring that children receive a holistic approach to their learning and development.

Leaders have highly effective systems to monitor and support staff practice.

Staff receive regular supervision, and leaders conduct observations to assess and

enhance teaching quality to the highest level. A culture of continuous reflection and improvement is embedded within the setting. Staff demonstrate outstanding teamwork, ensuring effective deployment so all children are fully supported in their play and learning.