Leverstock Green Playgroup

Leverstock Green Playgroup Village Hall, Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 8QG

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 4 November 2015 17 February 2011

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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 Good 2

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This provision is good

 Staff provide a good variety of interesting and stimulating activities, indoors and outside to promote children's good progress in all areas of learning.  Staff provide excellent role models and interact well with children. Consequently, behaviour is good and there is an extremely calm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the playgroup.  Staff build warm relationships with children. They know the children well and form strong bonds with each one. As a result, children demonstrate that they are happy, confident and feel secure in the playgroup.  Partnerships are a key strength. Staff establish strong and trusting partnerships with parents. They work closely with parents and other professionals to support children's individual care, development and learning needs.  Leaders and managers are ambitious and communicate high expectations to the committed staff team.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 On occasion, less experienced staff do not always have very high expectations of what each child can achieve, with particular reference to the most able children.  At times, daily routines do not always support opportunities for children to lead their own play.

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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

 be even more responsive to the needs of the most able children in order to maximise their progress  review the organisation of routines, such as group activities, so that children's opportunities for sustained play are further encouraged.

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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 and provider. 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.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Management and staff have a strong understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Monitoring of children's learning and development is accurate and precise so that any gaps in learning are swiftly identified and addressed. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Robust policies and procedures are in place, including those for the safe recruitment of staff. The playgroup forms successful links with local schools in order to support children's future move to school. Staff work well as a team to promote the smooth running of the session. They are well deployed, indoors and outside, ensuring children's safety and supporting them in their play and learning. The manager and staff team demonstrate a commitment to the continual development of the whole provision and continue to identify priorities for improvement. The manager monitors staff performance both informally through working alongside the staff and more formally

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

through annual appraisals. Staff are supported to attend relevant courses and gain additional qualifications to further promote effective outcomes for children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children demonstrate a positive approach to learning, supported by the cheerful interactions of the staff team caring for them. Staff regularly observe children and effectively use these observations to plan individual next steps in their learning. Staff skilfully extend children's learning as they introduce simple mathematical concepts of shape and size. For example, while playing with dough, staff encourage children to talk about the colour, shape and size of the models they are making. As a result, children enhance their early mathematical skills. However, there is potential for less experienced staff to be even more responsive to the needs of the most able children in order that they make maximum progress. Outdoors, children clearly enjoy using a varied range of wheeled toys and play equipment that support their development across all areas of learning. Consequently, all children are gaining skills which help prepare them for their

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Attentive staff play alongside the children offering gentle support and encouragement. However, at times, the routines of the playgroup are not sufficiently flexible to fully support opportunities for children to lead their own play. For example, staff interrupt children's play mid-session for an adult-led group time. Consequently, children are not always given sufficient time to develop their own ideas and become fully engaged in their play. Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise during outdoor play. While outdoors, staff support children to safely take risks and explore through play, with learning extended through playful teaching.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children are making good progress and are working comfortably within the range of development typical for their age. Staff promote children's independence and self-care skills well. For example, they are encouraged to feed and dress themselves and use the toilet with minimal support. These skills help to prepare children for the move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 129361 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 874829 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 29 Name of provider Leverstock Green Playgroup Committee Date of previous inspection 17 February 2011 Telephone number 01442266270

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Setting details

Leverstock Green Playgroup was registered in 1974. The playgroup employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The playgroup opens Monday to Friday during school term times. Sessions on Monday and Friday are from 9.15am until 12.15pm. On Tuesday to Thursday sessions are from 9.15am until 12.15pm with a lunch club provided until 1pm. An afternoon session operates on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1pm to 2.30pm. The playgroup provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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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