St Albans Girls' 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. Royston Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 137339 Inspection date 02/06/2009 Inspector Clementina Ogunsanwo

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Setting address c/o Royston Primary School, High Street, London, SE20 7QR Telephone number 020 8289 4509 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 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).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Royston Playgroup opened in 1968. It operates from three rooms within purpose built premises on the grounds of Royston Primary School, which is situated in the Borough of Bromley. There is an enclosed playground for outdoor activities. The playgroup serves the local community. Sessions are from 8.55 until 11.50 Monday to Friday and from 12.45 until 15.15 Tuesday to Friday. The playgroup is registered to care for a maximum number of 26 children in the early years age group at any one time. Currently there are 55 children on roll all of whom are within the early years age group. The playgroup operates an inclusive policy and actively supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. There are nine members of staff; all except one have appropriate childcare qualifications. One member of staff has NVQ level 3 qualification, two members of staff currently with NVQ at level 2 are working towards level 3, and five members of staff have

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Description of the setting

NVQ at level 2 qualification. The unqualified member of staff is due to commence childcare training in September. The playgroup has positive links with the main primary school and the Local Authority’s Early Years Advisory Service and is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There is a disabled ramp which ensures access for children who may have physical disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Royston is a playgroup where children learn and play within a warm and conducive learning environment. All members of staff except one are qualified and provide a range of interesting and enjoyable activities which the children undertake with great enthusiasm. Parents and carers are confident with the quality of care and education their children receive, as shown in one parent’s comment. ‘Absolutely fantastic, my child has made progress; staff are kind and care for the children well’ All children, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language have equal access to activities. The playgroup club has a good capacity to improve further.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase opportunities for children to regularly develop knowledge of the initial sounds of letters and explore a range of methods to solve practical problems  adapt the premises to ensure children’s direct access to the outdoor play provision This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Leadership and management are good. Risk assessments are carried out on a regular basis. Policies are secure, well maintained and regularly updated to reflect changes in childcare legislation. All children, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language, are included and supported in the range of activities. Staff have positive links with external agencies which ensures that the varied needs of pupils are met well. Self- evaluation is good. Leaders liaise with the local authority for guidance and support and actively undertake childcare training which is helping to improve the quality of provision. The playgroup is well resourced and makes effective use of the accommodation and facilities. Children use the outdoor play facility to undertake active physical play sessions which are enhanced by imaginative use of appropriate outdoor equipment such as climbing and balancing apparatus. Parents have the

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provision

opportunities for regular discussions and formal written progress reviews which inform them well about their children’s progress. They are provided with a wide range of very helpful information about the playgroup including the content of the curriculum when their children join. Staff use the valuable background information contributed by parents to plan for the care and the purposeful engagement of the children. The playgroup has effectively addressed the issues for improvement identified during the previous inspection.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The playgroup provides a wide range of interesting activities which contributes to children’s enjoyable learning experience. Established routines such as sharing individual experiences of the different activities children undertake during the half term break is helping them to develop listening and speaking skills. Children demonstrate increasing number awareness as one child confidently counted to 13. However, there are insufficient opportunities for the children to explore practical number problems and learn the initial sounds of letters. Adults interact well with the children and support them effectively during activities, which helps them to make imaginative use of language. For example, one child stated ‘I have built a minibus with bricks’. Meaningful learning opportunities such as practical tasks to make the playgroup play dough which is subsequently used for creative work, provides opportunities for the children to make positive contribution. An enjoyable

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

range of activities is planned to facilitate their creative expression through art, using a variety of materials such as glitter, pipe cleaners, fabric, milk tops and card. For example, pupils produce illustrative models of ‘people that help us in the community’ and meaningful exploration of different seasons with ‘falling autumn leaves’ models of which they are very proud. Purposeful exploration of countries of the world such as Uganda, Jamaica, China and Egypt and investigating the different flag patterns is helping children develop knowledge of different countries and cultures. Behaviour is outstanding. Adults consistently manage children’s behaviour well, which helps to develop their early social skills. They supervise and support the children well during activities both indoor and outdoor which keeps them safe and secure. However the lack of direct access to the outdoor play facility restricts children’s free flow of activities between indoor and outdoor play provision

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 as it inhibits opportunities for spontaneous play. Staff interact warmly with the children, creating a harmonious and happy atmosphere. Physical development is good and children undertake energetic ball games and make well coordinated, imaginative balancing and climbing movements, using a range of outdoor apparatus. Healthy snacks are available for the children each day, from which they make their own choices. As a result, children’s health is promoted well. Good routines are well established for eating and tidying up. 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? 2 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? 2

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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? 1 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 B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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