Mitchell Brook Primary School

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Sharpness Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 101524 Inspection date 17/09/2008 Inspector Paul Mattausch Burrows

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Setting address c/o Sharpness Primary School, Newtown, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9NU Telephone number Email Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10). This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Sharpness Playgroup opened in 1982. It operates from a building in the grounds of the village primary school in Sharpness, Gloucestershire, and serves the local community and surrounding villages. The group is run by a management committee elected from the parents of children who attend.

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Description of the setting

The playgroup is registered on the Early Years Register. Children are admitted from the age of two years and nine months and attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently 15 children on roll, including 13 funded children. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and or disabilities. There are currently no children on roll who have English as an additional language.

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Description of the setting

The playgroup opens three days a week during school term times. Sessions are from 09.00 to 12.00. There are three staff working with the children and parents provide additional support on a rota system. One member of staff is studying towards a National Vocational Qualification in Childcare and Education at level 3 and another towards level 2. The setting receives support from the Early Years and Childcare Services support worker.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall effectiveness of Sharpness Playgroup is satisfactory. The well qualified staff know the children as individuals and ensure that their needs are met. This understanding enables children to make satisfactory progress in their learning and development. The promotion of children’s welfare is a strength of the playgroup and children are happy and thrive in this nurturing environment. The staff are keen to make further improvements and have the capacity to bring these about, but recommendations from the last inspection have not yet been fully implemented. All children are treated fairly and equally and parents are welcomed as volunteers to work in the playgroup.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 build on the good links with parents to further involve them in their children’s learning  increase the activities to help children learn about our diverse society  increase opportunities for children to develop curiosity and imagination in their learning

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 update the playleader's existing CRB certificate for a current enhanced one 01/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The playgroup is well managed. The staff are well qualified and organised to support children’s learning. The building and outside areas are thoroughly checked to ensure that they are safe. The sessions run smoothly and staff work together as an efficient, well organised team. The majority of policies and practices are in place to ensure the children’s safety but a small number need to be brought up to date.

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provision

The staff regularly review the quality of care and education that they provide in order to make further improvements. However, while some progress has been made in meeting the recommendations from the last inspection, on improving the involvement of parents and increasing the presence of materials which reflect our diverse society, these are not yet fully in place. Despite this, parents feel that they can discuss any issues with staff and that they are informed about their children’s progress on a daily basis. Parents also volunteer to work on a rota which helps them to develop an understanding of how children are helped to learn and develop within the setting. The playgroup works well with Sharpness Primary School to ensure a smooth integration, and, as a result, one parent said ‘There are no tears in Reception’.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Activities in the playgroup are well planned and provide a wide range of learning opportunities. The staff support the children’s learning effectively without restricting their natural enthusiasm and inquisitiveness. There is a balance of activities between those in which the children choose to become involved, such as dressing up, and those where an adult leads an activity and works in a more concentrated way with children. However, there are not enough opportunities provided for stimulating children’s imagination and allowing them to develop their skills as investigators and creative thinkers. Also, the very well equipped outside learning area is not freely available to children which restricts the range of learning opportunities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The staff observe children’s learning and make assessments which are used to plan the next activities. Relationships between children and adults are warm and caring and there is a happy purposeful atmosphere during the session. Children’s individual needs are well catered for and the staff work well with outside agencies when necessary. The contribution that parents could make to their children’s development is not yet fully utilised.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The way that the children are cared for and involved in their own well-being is a strength of the playgroup. Children’s behaviour is good as a result of the high expectations of staff and the opportunities that the children have to work cooperatively and to consider the feelings of others. The building and surrounding learning area provide safe and secure opportunities for learning. Personal hygiene is taught well and consistently and children help each other, for example, by This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 providing tissues for those who show signs of needing them. Children are also taught to use equipment, such as scissors, in a safe way and to be aware of other possible hazards. A healthy snack is provided every day and children are made aware of the benefits of healthy eating. The children enjoy their learning and are developing as expected for children of their age. Children work well together and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

show respect for others. Their ability to work cooperatively and harmoniously is a real strength and is a credit to the staff. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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