Education watchdog Ofsted inspect services providing education and skills for people of all ages.
There are different types of inspection including full inspections and monitoring visits.
Where a full inspection is carried out a number of areas will be graded and the establishment given an overall rating.
The ratings are outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
Some inspections are carried out with notice and others are unannounced.
Here are the reports published for schools in Colchester in March.
Myland Community Primary School
Inspection type: Inspection of a good school
Outcome: It continues to be a good school
The report said: "There is a lot of joy in this school.
"Pupils like being here, and there is a strong sense of purpose.
"Pupils are expected to work hard and behave well, and they do. There is also time for fun and laughter."
Thomas Lord Audley School
Inspection type: Inspection of a good school
Outcome: It continues to be a good school
The report said: "Pupils largely enjoy school. They have positive relationships with teachers.
"They respect teachers and value the support they receive. Pupils benefit from leaders’ and teachers’ high expectations.
"Their time is used well in focused and meaningful activities, which help pupils to learn."
St George’s Infant School and Nursery
Inspection type: Full inspection
Outcome: Inadequate
The report said: “A significant minority of pupils behave in highly inappropriate ways.
“This interrupts other pupils’ learning and has a negative effect on the well-being of staff and pupils.
“There are frequent assaults on staff by pupils. Pupils throw things in lessons. Some pupils fail to follow basic rules.”
Nannas Day Nurseries
Inspection type: Full inspection
Outcome: Outstanding
The report said: "From a young age, children greet visitors with curiosity.
"They are highly settled and demonstrate how safe and secure they feel in this welcoming, vibrant setting.
"Children exhibit great concentration, engagement and high levels of well-being.
"Spontaneous laughter is heard throughout the setting as children delight in playing with friends and staff."
Chestnut House Kindergarten
Inspection type: Full inspection
Outcome: Good
The report said: "Children are happy and feel safe in this welcoming, homely setting.
"Staff provide a nurturing environment which values the uniqueness of each child.
"Parents praise the 'friendly, professional' staff and how well they know their children."
Brinkley Lane Day Nursery School
Inspection type: Full inspection
Outcome: Outstanding
The report said: "Children thrive at this wonderful nursery.
"They are impeccably behaved and thoroughly enjoy new adventures each day.
"Children relish their time in the garden. They fully cooperate as they dress for all weathers and then race outside."
Busy Bees Day Nursery at Colchester Severalls Business Park
Inspection type: Full inspection
Outcome: Outstanding
The report said: "A buzz of excitement fills the nursery entrance foyer as children excitedly part from their parents and carers, eager to begin their day.
"Children confidently enter their specific rooms and are greeted by enthusiastic and caring staff."
Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery
Inspection type: Full inspection
Outcome: Outstanding
The report said: "Confident, strong and extremely keen little learners enter the nursery with ease.
"They part from their parents and carers and are affectionately greeted by staff who have an in-depth knowledge of their individual likes, dislikes and needs.
"Children are superbly behaved."
School's Out Activities At Colchester Royal Grammar School
Inspection type: Quality and standards of early years provision
Outcome: Standards met
The report said: "Children clearly enjoy their time at camp.
"They are happy, settled and eager to take part in the wide range of interesting activities on offer. "Each week is based around a theme, such as inventions and inventors."
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