A DAY care nursery has been praised by inspectors for encouraging a love of literature and teaching the children about the world around them.
Baynards Playgroup in Townsend Road, Tiptree has been rated as good by Ofsted in its latest inspection.
It achieved the rating in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
There were a total of 32 children on roll at the time of the inspection, all aged from two to four-years-old.
The playgroup is managed by the Tiptree Pre School Playgroup Committee, which runs another setting in Barbrook Lane.
The inspector found children had a wide access to a range of books and are encouraged to develop a love of literature.
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities were also said to be “extremely well supported”.
The pre-school being so connected to Baynards Primary School was said to be beneficial for the children in their transition to the next stage of their education.
Their new teacher was said to visit regularly ahead of their transition.
During the inspection, the inspector spoke with staff associated with the pre-school as well as parents of children.
In the report, the inspector Holly Todd said: “Staff provide regular opportunities for children to explore their community.
“Children benefit from visits from an exotic animal company and staff take them on outings to their local church.
“This helps to support children's knowledge and understanding of the world around them.”
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In order to improve, the report states the school needs to make changes to allow the children to develop an awareness of their actions as well as let them have the opportunity to share their own ideas and thoughts during activities.
The inspector said: “Staff do not consistently talk to children about the impact their actions can have on others.
“This does not support them to understand why behaviour rules are in place.
“On occasions, staff do not give children enough time to share their own views and ideas during activities.
“This means that not all children benefit from the learning experience provided.”
Baynards Playgroup has been contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.
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