Stepping Stones Playgroup

Stepping Stones Playgroup The Scout Hut, Inmans Lane, Sheet,, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 2AN

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22 April 2015 28 May 2010

p.1

This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Outstanding 1

p.1

This inspection: Outstanding 1

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Outstanding 1

p.1

This inspection: Outstanding 1

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Outstanding 1

p.1

This inspection: Outstanding 1

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

p.1

This provision is outstanding

 Staff actively ensure that all areas of learning are promoted throughout the day, although they have identified scope to extend the range of technology available for children to explore.  Staff make excellent use of observations and assessment to identify areas in which to further promote children's learning and development.  Staff actively involve parents by asking them to contribute to records of their children's learning and by regularly sharing information with them.  Differences are highly valued and positively promoted. Children learn about other cultures, faiths and traditions. For example, the role-play area is set up as a French restaurant and children are given the opportunity to try croissants at snack time.  Staff have interesting and exciting ways of preparing children for their move to school. For example, by making books for each child containing photographs and information on their new setting.

p.1

This provision is outstanding

 All staff demonstrate a clear understanding of how to keep children safe and are able to accurately identify any signs of harm.  Staff strive for excellence and make use of highly accurate, honest and realistic self- evaluations to identify areas for improvement.  Staff actively share their skills and expertise with others. Children benefit from this as all staff contribute to planning stimulating and interesting activities for them.  Staff actively identify ways in which to help children who need additional support.

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 further the opportunities for children to explore technology.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke to the manager and other staff at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector engaged with the children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector observed children's indoor and outdoor play.  The inspector observed children's snack routine.  The inspector sampled various relevant documents, including the setting's risk assessments, their self-evaluation form and specific policies and procedures.

p.2

who attend. This is outstanding

Children have access to an extensive variety of exciting and interesting resources. Resources are displayed in such a way that all areas of learning and development are promoted. Children are extremely motivated and eager to participate in all activities as they are presented in such an exciting way. All staff have exceptional knowledge of the children's needs and abilities and are highly efficient in supporting and extending their learning. Staff actively engage in consistently high-quality interactions with children. As a result, children flourish and most are developing beyond expectations. Parents speak very highly of their partnerships with staff and of the valuable information that is shared with them. Parents are given the opportunity to contribute to information on their children's learning and development. This helps to provide a rounded view of children's development as achievements from home are also shared. Staff value diversity and parents of different

p.3

who attend. This is outstanding

cultures are invited to visit the setting in order to share information on topics such as their traditional clothing, food and languages spoken.

p.3

outstanding

Staff work in excellent partnership with other professionals to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They share all the necessary and relevant information and also ensure that this information is passed on when the children move settings. Staff consistently encourage and promote independence. As a result, children are comfortable to take risks and explore their surrounding environment. This also helps to prepare children for their move to school. Children follow excellent hygiene routines and understand the importance of drinking water regularly and washing their hands before eating. All staff demonstrate a clear understating of the procedure to follow in the event of any suspected harm to children. Staff undertake regular risk assessments to ensure the safety and suitability of the environment for children.

p.3

provision is outstanding

Leadership is inspirational and all staff are motivated to achieve and to constantly improve practice. They regularly attend courses and share their knowledge and areas of expertise. As a result, children benefit from staff's expert knowledge and understanding of how children learn. Staff undergo annual appraisals and set realistic and achievable goals for personal development. Staff also contribute to highly accurate and robust self-evaluations of the service provided. They take into account ideas and opinions provided by parents and endeavour to effectively implement them. Staff also consider children's enjoyment of, and the success of, planned activities in order to drive improvement.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 109865 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 835835 Type of provision Sessional provision Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 38 Name of provider Stepping Stones Playgroup Committee Date of previous inspection 28 May 2010 Telephone number 01730 269610

p.4

Setting details

Stepping Stones Playgroup registered in 2000 and is situated in Sheet, Petersfield. The playgroup operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 1pm, term time only. There are seven members of staff, of whom six hold relevant qualifications at level 3.

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