Stepping Stones Playgroup (Dursley)

Stepping Stones Playgroup (Dursley) Dursley C of E Primary School, School Road, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 4NZ

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 28 September 2015 10 March 2009

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1

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This provision is good

 Teaching throughout the playgroup is consistently good and some is outstanding. Staff plan activities each day for children's individual needs to extend each child's learning. As a result, all children, including those who speak English as an additional language, make good progress. Children are curious, well motivated and eager to learn.  Key-person arrangements are extremely effective. Caring staff establish strong partnerships with families and affectionate, fun relationships with children.  Partnerships with parents and other professionals are strong. Staff provide individual support for all children to help them become independent learners. Parents are extremely complimentary about the group.  Management monitors and supervises staff well. Staff use their qualifications and ongoing training to improve practice and observe, assess and improve children's learning. Good systems are in place for staff, children and families to evaluate the

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This provision is good

provision and to contribute ideas for improvement.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not use fully effective systems to encourage parents to become even more involved in their children's assessments to further promote their learning.  Occasionally, staff miss opportunities during routines to ask children questions that make them think and solve problems independently to further support their mathematical understanding.

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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

 encourage parents to become even more involved in their children's assessments to further promote children's learning  take full advantage of everyday routines to extend children's mathematical learning and encourage them to solve problems by themselves.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed staff's interactions with children and the impact these have on children's learning in the playrooms and outdoors.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector examined a range of documentation, including children's records, staff planning, risk assessments, and policies and procedures.  The inspector had discussions with the chairperson, manager, staff, children and parents.  The inspector checked evidence of staff suitability checks to work with children, and their qualifications.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. All adults who work with the children are checked and suitable. However, due to an oversight, the provider failed to notify Ofsted of a change to the chairperson on the management committee, as required. There is no impact on children's safety and the nominated person has agreed to rectify this immediately, so Ofsted does not intend to take further action. The manager and staff take robust steps to safeguard children. They are clear about the procedure to follow if they have a concern about a child, and the premises are safe and secure. The management team is committed to continually improving practice. Since the last inspection, the manager and her deputy have strengthened their childcare knowledge by gaining degrees in childcare, which they have used to improve outcomes for children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff ensure children's interests are at the centre of planning. There is a strong focus on outdoor play and children learn about nature and the world around them as they enjoy a range of activities, such as making dens, digging and planting. Children are developing their early literacy skills well. They chalk on giant blackboards in the garden and staff provide an environment that is rich in books with many opportunities for conversation and discussion. Children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are supported well in developing their communication skills. For example, staff use sign language when singing rhymes, repeat words and talk about past activities. Staff prepare children well for the next stage in their learning and starting school.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children form secure and extremely trusting relationships with their key person and other staff. Children thrive in this caring, nurturing playgroup. Their behaviour is exemplary and staff are excellent role models with high expectations. Staff teach children to respect others, play cooperatively and share. Staff successfully promote children's self-esteem and independence. Children help to prepare their own healthy snacks, and develop a secure understanding of sharing and using tools confidently and safely. Children develop their physical skills as they play, and during frequent outdoor activities.

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Outcomes for children are good

The manager monitors children's progress effectively. Staff are encouraged to reflect on the success of planning and adapt activities well to include all children. Children make good progress relative to their starting points. They are settled and happy. Staff actively encourage children to develop a love of books and writing, and children confidently attempt to write their own names on their work.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 101730 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 824668 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 32 Number of children on roll 35 Name of provider Stepping Stones Playgroup (Dursley) Committee Date of previous inspection 10 March 2009 Telephone number 01453 544588

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Setting details

Stepping Stones Playgroup registered in 1993. It is a committee-run group. It operates from a self-contained building in the grounds of Dursley Primary School in Dursley, Gloucestershire. Playgroup sessions run during term time only, from 9am to 12 noon on Monday and Wednesday, and from 9am to 2pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The committee employs six staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The manager and deputy hold foundation degree in early years.

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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

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Setting details

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