Hidden Treasures

St Mary`s Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 224193 Inspection date 15/09/2009 Inspector Keith Williams

p.1

Setting address St Mary's C of E School, The Grove, Lodge Lane, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV15 5EQ Telephone number 01746 763455 Email Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.1

You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the setting

St Mary’s Playgroup has been registered since 1993. The children are accommodated in a demountable building on the site of St Mary’s School in the Low Town area of Bridgnorth. Children attend the group from the local area and most go on to join the school’s nursery class. St Mary’s Playgroup is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory Childcare Register. The group operates for 50 weeks of the year from 8am to 6pm. Provision includes breakfast and after school clubs and morning and afternoon playgroup sessions. There is a holiday club during the school holidays when there is sufficient demand. There are currently 86 children on roll, which includes 30 children in receipt of funded Nursery education. The group is registered to care for no more than 26 children under eight years old. There are seven members of staff, all of whom hold recognised child care qualifications. Two members of staff are working towards

p.4

Description of the setting

Early Years Professional status. There is disabled access to the provision.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

St Mary’s is a good playgroup. Staff cater well for children’s learning, development and welfare needs and they ensure that all children are fully included. As a result, they enjoy their time in the playgroup and achieve well towards the learning goals expected for their age. The setting is well led and managed. The recommendations of the previous inspection have been tackled thoroughly and there is good capacity to sustain further improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 extend opportunities for children to share books and stories  enhance children’s mathematical understanding by raising the profile of this area of learning in the classroom displays

p.4

the early years provision

Good leadership and management ensure that children in each of the groups offered during the day learn and play in a safe, secure and interesting environment. The leaders evaluate the effectiveness of the playgroup fully and frankly, and identify ways in which they might improve. There are suitable policies and clear guidelines for all important aspects of the playgroup’s work. These are reviewed regularly and the information gathered contributes well to the leaders’ understanding of their effectiveness. Staff work closely as a team, plan carefully together and know the children well. Their day-to-day vigilance is supported by good arrangements for securing the children’s health and safety. Robust checks This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are made to ensure the suitability of staff to work with children. The potential risks presented by indoor and outdoor activities are assessed carefully and, following a

p.4

the early years provision

recommendation from the last inspection, there are secure arrangements for staff and visitors to sign in and out of the premises. Communication with parents is good, another improvement since the last inspection. This is constantly under review, and leaders have identified the need to establish home visits as part of their induction arrangements. Parents are pleased with what the playgroup offers and the care provided by staff. These close links enhance considerably the staff’s knowledge of the children, so that they are able to meet children’s differing needs and include them fully in the life of the playgroup. This contributes positively to the children’s all-round development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Boys and girls of all backgrounds achieve well because staff ensure that their learning and welfare needs are well met. They provide a safe, welcoming environment and a wide range of carefully planned activities that give regular access to all of the areas of learning. Children enjoy their time in each of the groups offered, and this makes a positive contribution to their development. A measure of their enjoyment is the way they settle quickly to the activities, behave well, make sensible choices and share equipment with others. Staff keep a close check on the children’s welfare and learning, and careful records are kept to show the progress they make. This information is shared regularly with parents. A particularly strong feature of the provision is the way that children’s social development is promoted. From the moment they arrive, children are encouraged to work and play together and share equipment and materials. In the breakfast

p.5

and outcomes for children

and after-school clubs, older pupils are kind and helpful towards the younger ones and this adds to their sense of safe keeping. Throughout the day, staff question carefully to extend the children’s understanding and encourage them to express what they are thinking and feeling. Because they know the children well, they are able to provide just the right amount of help or challenge when needed. The room is well laid out to promote children’s independence.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Resources are plentiful and are readily accessible, so that children learn to do things for themselves, gather equipment sensibly and tidy away quickly. Language and creative development are given prominence in the attractive wall displays that celebrate children’s achievements and help to extend their learning. Some display space is given over to promoting children’s problem solving, reasoning and numeracy, but this is much less prominent than other areas of learning. Children enjoy using the computers and exploring the properties of sand and water, and they cut and stick enthusiastically and accurately. There are good opportunities for children to develop their artistic skills, and a good range of games, construction materials and toys are handled sensibly. A collection of books is made available, although these are not displayed in a way that encourages browsing. In addition, there is scope to provide more opportunities for children to share books and

p.5

and outcomes for children

stories. Regular access to the outdoor area promotes their physical development well. Staff encourage children to be active. They enjoy climbing, balancing and using the tricycles and this helps them appreciate the importance of exercise. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The children are well prepared for the next stage in their lives and they make good progress in the skills they need. They wash their hands diligently, look after their belongings and learn about healthy eating during snack times. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8