Southend pre-school rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted inspectors

Giggles Pre-School, in Central Avenue, Southend, has been rated inadequate in all areas after an inspection on March 13.

In the report, published on Friday, inspectors raised major concerns around the safeguarding of children as well as their welfare.

Ofsted say they “intend to take enforcement action” and have issued a Welfare Requirements Notice.

The report said: “Weaknesses in leadership and management mean that children’s welfare is not assured.

“The provider, who is also the manager, and the staff have limited knowledge of the children, which means they do not plan effectively for their individual learning needs, taking into account what the children already know and can do.

“For example, they do not know which languages some children speak at home and lack information about the children’s correct ages.”

Inspectors found children did not have an “interesting, challenging and purposeful curriculum.”

The report added: “Children’s play is often disrupted so that routines can take priority.

“As a consequence, children’s natural flow of exploration is halted. Some children become bored and argumentative with each other.

“This is because activities are not interesting enough or tailored to their individual needs.”

Inspectors found “despite serious weaknesses” that children generally appear to “enjoy their time at the pre-school”.

The report added: “The staff are seen to be caring towards the children.”

As part of the welfare notice the preschool must ensure managers and staff have knowledge of safeguarding and that appropriate checks are carried out.

Information on all children must be correct, with particular notes to date of birth.

At the time of the inspection, there were 21 children at the pre-school, all aged between two and three.

The pre-school was previously rated inadequate in its last inspection back in October 2023.

Giggles Pre-School has been contacted for comment by the Echo but did not respond.