Chesterton Playgroup

Chesterton Playgroup The Village Hall, Alchester Road, Chesterton, BICESTER, Oxfordshire, OX26 1UN

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 3 June 2015 19 June 2014

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This inspection: Good 2

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

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This inspection: Good 2

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

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This inspection: Good 2

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

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The manager and staff use regular and precise assessments to monitor children's progress very well. This helps them to identify any gaps in learning and support children promptly.  Staff involve parents in the continuity of children's learning very well. They invite them to meetings regularly and share achievements between home and the playgroup. In addition, they send comments slips home for parents to add comments and suggestions for their child's learning.  Children become good problem solvers. Staff provide them with a wide variety of resources to make their own ideas and choices in play. Children work together to carry heavier resources into the areas of their choice.  Staff help children learn to behave well. They make good use of games to encourage them to learn to take turns with others.  The manager encourages staff to continue their professional development and implement their new knowledge in their practice to improve outcomes for all.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff lead whole group sessions to share stories and sing songs. Occasionally, however, the way that these groups are organised makes it difficult for all children to remain engaged.  During activities, staff do not consistently encourage children of all ages to write with a purpose to help them to practise their early writing skills.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 review the structure and size of groups for adult-led activities to help all children to remain as fully engaged as they are in other activities  increase the opportunities for children of all ages to write for a purpose to extend their early literacy skills.

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Inspection activities

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

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who attend. This is good

Staff have a good understanding of how children learn. They play games with children that introduce counting and that support their physical development. They plan activities such as planting sunflower seeds to help children to begin to learn about growth. Staff use skilful questions that require children to answer more than `yes' or `no', and they leave time for children to think and then respond with their own thoughts. Children become engaged in activities of their choice and staff engage positively with them to develop learning. For example, when children jump in mud, staff repeat words such as 'squelch' to build their vocabulary. They link the word to a familiar story recently shared with the children to help them make connections in their learning. Staff record accurate observations of children's achievements and plan towards their next steps in learning. This helps them to challenge and support children so that they make good progress in all

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good

Staff are friendly and welcoming. This helps children to settle into activities and explore the environments confidently. Staff provide nutritious snacks for the children and they encourage the parents of those who stay for lunch to provide healthy options. Staff provide easy access to the garden areas so that children can choose where they want to play. Staff use snack and mealtimes effectively to help to build children's independence. For example, children pass around cups and plates to each other. Staff form strong links with local provisions such as schools, and share lots of information. This helps to build continuity in children's learning between the settings they attend. To help prepare children for their move to school, staff and children make visits to the schools. This provides children with opportunities to familiarise themselves with the school environment and teachers.

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provision is good

The manager and staff team are well qualified. Since their last inspection, they have worked closely together to improve the monitoring of children's progress and the quality of the environment. The manager works in close partnership with the trustees to follow robust recruitment and vetting procedures to help to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children. Staff have a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures and know what to do if they have concerns about a child's well-being. The manager also works in close partnership with other professionals, such as early years advisory teachers, to reflect on and improve the provision by setting targets. She carries out supervision meetings with individual staff and holds regular staff team meetings. She observes staff practice to help to identify key strengths and areas for further support. This all helps the manager to monitor staff performance to help improve outcomes for children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY467410 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 1014848 Type of provision Full-time provision Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 21 Number of children on roll 35 Name of provider Chesterton Playgroup Date of previous inspection 19 June 2014 Telephone number 07525935476

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Setting details

Chesterton Playgroup re-registered in 2013 due to change of ownership. It operates from the village church hall in Chesterton, near Bicester, in Oxfordshire. They are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 noon. On a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday there is a lunch club from 12 noon to 1pm and an additional afternoon session until 3pm, term time only. The playgroup employs seven members of staff, six of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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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.

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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.

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Setting details

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Setting details

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

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