Happytots

Happy Tots Playgroup 2-4 Blackfriars, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 9PQ

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22 September 2015 12 May 2011

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

p.1

This provision is good

 The manager is very well organised. She effectively reviews the quality of her practice and sets herself clear targets that take into account the views of children, parents and staff.  The manager supports staff to develop their professional knowledge and understanding, in order to improve their practice.  Teaching is good and in some cases outstanding. Staff make accurate assessments of children's learning and use these to plan opportunities that inspire their desire to learn. Children are highly engaged and make good progress.  Children's good behaviour is reinforced by positive praise from the staff. They are helped to understand the importance of using good manners, such as saying please and thank you.  Children are happy and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They quickly settle and develop close attachments to staff.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 Although outstanding aspects of practice are often achieved, these are not consistent throughout the sessions across the playgroup.  Staff do not regularly liaise with parents to help them to understand how to further support their children's learning at home.

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 opportunities for staff to support each other to maintain the very high levels of practice that are often achieved throughout the playgroup's sessions  explore further ways to support parents in continuing and extending their children's learning at home.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the playgroup manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the playgroup manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the playgroup's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the playgroup.  The inspector spoke to a small selection of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The manager fully understands her roles and responsibilities in meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She and her staff demonstrate a total dedication and commitment in their pursuit of providing children with a wealth of interesting and stimulating opportunities. Arrangements to safeguard children are effective and all staff understand the procedure to follow should they have a concern about a child in their care. Effective processes ensure that identified risks are minimised. Parents are very complimentary about the care their children receive and the progress that they make.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children are very well prepared for the next stage in their learning and eventual move to school. Staff skilfully adapt activities to ensure they meet children's individual needs. Children's communication and language skills are effectively supported because staff continuously chat with children as they play. Children make imaginary cakes from soft dough. Staff introduce mathematical language as they discuss whether they have large or small pieces of cake. Children enjoy group activities. They happily sing songs and take turns to play musical instruments. Children recall a recent bus trip as they look at photographs taken by staff. Staff support them to identify the different areas that they visited, which helps children to learn about people and communities beyond the playgroup. Children have a wonderful time in the exceptionally well-resourced outdoor area. They splash in puddles and observe the patterns that the rain makes on the slabs.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Parents are kept regularly informed about the progress that their children are making. However, the playgroup does not routinely support parents with ideas of how to continue their children's learning at home. As a result, children's learning is not continuous or consolidated.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff are good role models to children. They are calm and kind and frequently praise children's achievements. This supports children to feel good about themselves and to become motivated and confident. Children are learning to be tolerant to one another and to respect each other's differences. Older children support their younger peers as they happily play together. Staff encourage children to become independent. They learn to take care of their own personal needs and move freely around the setting, selecting resources that interest them. Staff promote healthy practices. Children enjoy being physically active by joining in with group exercises and riding bikes in the outdoor area. They talk about which foods are healthy as they eat their lunches.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

The playgroup environment is rich and varied and provides a wealth of learning opportunities both inside and outdoors. This ensures that all children are engaged in their activities and are developing a positive attitude to learning. Children, including those with disabilities, special educational needs and those with English as an additional language, make good progress from their starting point.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 219912 Local authority Northamptonshire Inspection number 865823 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 0 - 5 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 30 Name of provider Colleen Walker Date of previous inspection 12 May 2011 Telephone number 01933 410700

p.4

Setting details

Happy Tots Playgroup was registered in 1999. The playgroup employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at levels 2, 3 and 4. The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 9am until 3pm. The playgroup provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year- old children.

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 reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Setting details

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

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