Polstead Preschool

Polstead Playgroup St Margarets Institute, Polstead Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6TN

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 12 March 2015 23 June 2011

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

p.1

This provision is good

 Staff promote children's understanding of the world well. They re-create places around the community, such as the local delicatessen, in the role play area and go on trips to local museums.  Staff gather plenty of information from parents to identify children's starting points before they start. This helps the key person to plan a stimulating environment that meets the child's interests. This helps children to settle into activities quickly when they arrive.  Staff provide a stimulating and well-resourced environment, which engages children well and promotes their all-round learning.  Staff have a very good understanding of their roles and responsibilities to safeguard and protect children from harm. They demonstrate a secure knowledge of what to do if they are concerned about a child, and carry out regular risk assessments, to promote children's safety.  The manager monitors staff planning and assessments regularly to check their accuracy

p.1

This provision is good

and identify any gaps in learning promptly.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not always use props or pictures during group times to help to enhance children's confidence or motivation to take part in group times.  Staff do not consistently provide opportunities for children to use measures during their play to fully maximise their mathematical development.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 enhance the use of pictures and props to maximise children's confidence and motivation during group times  enhance the opportunities for children to use measures in their play to maximise their mathematical development.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children's activities indoors and outdoors.  The inspector undertook a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector had a discussion with some children, staff and the manager.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day of the inspection and through written feedback.  The inspector looked at a range of relevant documentation relating to safeguarding, suitability records, policies and procedures, and learning and development.

p.2

who attend. This is good

Staff offer good opportunities for children to develop their language and vocabulary, including those who speak other languages. They use visual aids, such as picture cards and labelling, to help children to communicate their choices and needs. However, during some group times they do not always make good use of pictures and props to build children's confidence and motivation to take part. Staff effectively teach children some mathematical concepts through play, such as counting, adding and subtraction. However, they do not always provide resources, such as weighing scales and measuring tapes, which encourage children to measure during their play. Staff assess children's progress regularly to monitor their development. This helps them to identify and support any gaps in learning promptly. Staff share information about children's development regularly with parents, and implement effective strategies to gather information on children's

p.3

good

Staff motivate children by providing them with plenty of opportunities to try things for themselves. At snack times, children collect their own beakers and plates. They serve their own snacks and pour their own drinks. This helps to enhance their independence skills before their move to school. Staff teach children to take turns and share. They distract children by talking to them calmly and helping them learn how to manage their own behaviour. Staff promote children's healthy lifestyles well. They provide nutritious snacks, such as fruits and rice cakes. Staff provide children with daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children learn to climb up the ladders to the slides and pedal bikes outdoors. This helps to promote their physical development effectively. Staff have good relationships with other provisions, such as the local schools that the children move to. They invite them to the play group and exchange information for continuity in their learning.

p.3

provision is good

The manager and staff demonstrate a good understanding of their responsibilities to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Staff attend safeguarding training and have sound knowledge of the procedures they should follow to keep children safe. Staff are encouraged to continue their professional development and share their new knowledge with other staff to improve outcomes for children. Staff gather the views from parents and children effectively through questionnaires to help them evaluate the provision. This helps them to drive future improvements and to meet all the needs of families using the playgroup.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 133989 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 841028 Type of provision Sessional provision Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 0 - 5 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 35 Name of provider Polstead Playgroup Oxford Committee Date of previous inspection 23 June 2011 Telephone number 01865 428586

p.4

Setting details

Polstead Playgroup has been in operation for over 25 years. It operates from a community building in north Oxford, Oxfordshire. The playgroup opens weekdays, between 9am to 12pm, during school term time. The playgroup employs five staff, four of whom have relevant qualifications, including one who holds Early Years Professional Status, and one with a degree in child development and learning.

p.4

Setting details

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.4

Setting details

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.4

Setting details

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

p.5

Setting details

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.5