Weston Rhyn Playgroup

Weston Rhyn Playgroup Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 224221 Inspection date 14/12/2009 Inspector Fiona Robinson

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Setting address The Family Centre, Weston Rhyn Primary School, Old Chirk Road, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7SR Telephone number 01691 774701 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 .

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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Description of the setting

Weston Rhyn Playgroup opened in 1979 and operates from one room in a purpose built building which is shared with the local authority nursery and the Sure Start facilities. There is ramped disability access to the building. It is situated in the grounds of the local primary school, in the village of Weston Rhyn, near Oswestry and serves the local area. The setting is open each weekday from 12.20pm to 2.50pm, term-time only. There is also a lunch club facility prior to the start of the session, from 11.30am until 12.20pm. Children share access to an enclosed outdoor play area. There are currently 36 children aged from two to under five years on roll, of these, ten children are funded three and four year-olds. The setting is able to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language. It is registered on the Early Years Register. There are four staff caring for children, all of whom

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Description of the setting

hold appropriate early years qualifications. The setting receives support from the local authority.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the setting was judged to be good. Children enjoy an environment which is stimulating and exciting and make very good progress in well-planned and supported activities. The children’s safety and well-being are promoted very effectively. Staff take into account their individual needs and interests and ensure they are fully included in indoor and outdoor activities. Partnerships with parents and the host school are excellent and information is shared effectively. Manager and staff are keen to improve the quality of care and education provided for the children and demonstrate a good capacity for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop joint planning with the nursery  extend and develop the layout and resources for the outdoor area of learning.

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the early years provision

Staff have an excellent understanding of safeguarding issues and security is given a high priority. Fire drills are practised regularly and daily safety checks ensure the environment is safe for play. Risk assessments are rigorous and there are robust collection procedures in place. Children are cared for in a very safe and familiar environment. Comprehensive policies and procedures are fully implemented to ensure children’s safety. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Partnerships with parents are excellent. They say that the staff are enthusiastic and approachable and help to make their children’s first experience of school enjoyable and exciting. Staff keep parents well informed of their children’s achievements and information is shared concerning their individual learning journeys. Parents also make valuable contributions to the Home Playgroup Books.

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the early years provision

Comprehensive newsletters, the notice board and informal discussions keep them well informed of topics and special events. The setting also benefits from excellent links with the host school and nursery. Information is shared effectively and excellent use is made of the outdoor environment and forest school.

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the early years provision

The setting is well led and managed. Staff are well deployed and resources are used effectively to meet the needs of the children. There is rigorous monitoring of activities and staff actively promote equality and diversity. They ensure children are fully integrated in the playgroup and achieve well. They meet regularly and demonstrate a shared commitment to developing good quality practice. Regular self-evaluation helps identify areas for improvement, such as to develop the outdoor area of learning so that the children can access resources more easily. Staff also recognise the opportunity to refine their transitional planning with the nursery, so that children build on their earliest experiences effectively. Records and learning journeys are shared on a regular basis. Documentation is regularly reviewed and planned inset helps staff to improve and enrich their own experience and qualifications.

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and outcomes for children

Children have valuable opportunities to learn through interesting practical and play activities. They are keen to experience the wide range of activities offered to them. They benefit from well-planned play and achieve well. Staff welcome and value their ideas and include these in their planning. For example, on pirate day, the children decided to have a treasure hunt, make and decorate a boat, and cook and taste fish. The staff regularly evaluate the work of the children and encourage them to share their experiences with their parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children have excellent relationships with staff and each other. They behave very well, because staff have high expectations. Children enjoy learning through practical activities such as leaf collecting and bug hunting in the Forest School area. They show an interest in growing beans and cress and using vegetables for printing. Their creative skills are developed very well and they are very skilful at making snowman, penguin and Father Christmas puppets and purses. They enjoy cooking pizzas and choosing healthy toppings. They listen well to stories such as ‘Where the Wild Things are’ and enjoy role play in their Winter Wonderland area. They tunefully sing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ and most can count up to ten and beyond. Children recognise their names through the self-registration system and enjoy writing letters to Father Christmas.

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and outcomes for children

Activities are well-planned and help children to develop very good knowledge and understanding and creative skills through links with themes such as ‘Space’ and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ‘Winter’. Festivals such as Diwali and Christmas bring great enrichment and relevance to the children’s learning. Bright and colourful artwork makes their indoor environment colourful and interesting. Independence is encouraged indoors and outdoors and increasing use is made of the ‘choosing’ shed to select resources.

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and outcomes for children

The children feel very safe and secure because staff work hard to ensure safe indoor and outdoor environments. They enjoy physical exercise and like to use a selection of wheeled toys and bicycles to extend their physical skills. They co- operate well as they build a balance trail and explore the Adventure playground. They have a good understanding of making healthy choices at snack time and learn to use equipment safely as they make pumpkin soup and space star biscuits. Children develop their independence well and enjoy fundraising activities for Children in Need. Overall, they are well prepared for their next stage in their learning and enjoy exploring the natural wonder of their environment. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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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 1 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

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Stage

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

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 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 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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

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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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