Croft Playgroup

Croft Playgroup Marlborough Lane, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 1RA

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23 November 2015 17 July 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 Good 2

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This provision is good

 Staff have a good understanding of how children learn and develop. They provide children with interesting and challenging activities, and children are motivated to learn. All children make good progress from their initial starting points.  Children are kind, helpful and respectful to each other and are learning to behave well. Staff act as good role models and children respond to their gentle reminders about behavioural expectations that are in place.  Partnerships with parents are good. Staff keep parents well informed of all aspects of their children's care and education and how this can be supported at home. Parents talk positively about the care provided for their children.  The management team is committed to continuous improvement. They regularly evaluate the quality of the setting and have a clear understanding of where they can enhance quality. Recommendations set at the last inspection have been addressed.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The organisation of group times means that children are not always able to sustain their interests and have uninterrupted time to engage in activities of their choosing.  Children do not always have opportunities to extend on their mathematical learning in ways that are meaningful to their 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

 provide children with more uninterrupted time to express their individuality and engage in activities of their choosing  enhance opportunities for children to practise their mathematical skills in ways that are meaningful to their play.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities and the quality of teaching throughout the playgroup and outdoor area.  The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including attendance records, staff suitability checks, the self-assessment information, children's observation, assessment and planning records, and documentation linked to managing children's progress.  The inspector held discussions with the management team and spoke with children and staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector undertook a joint observation with the playgroup manager.  The inspector took into account the views of parents and carers spoken to on the day of the inspection.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Managers and staff access a range of safeguarding training. They have a good understanding of the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. In addition, they follow good procedures to keep children safe. Managers make sure that good outcomes for children are promoted. For example, they regularly monitor the educational programmes and track the progress of both individuals and groups of children. Any gaps in children's learning are identified and interventions sought if necessary. Managers and staff are well qualified and enhance their professional development through training courses, supervision meetings and appraisals. They share the new knowledge they gain from training courses at staff meetings. They support each other's knowledge and understanding. Managers and staff have established good links with additional agencies and schools to provide consistency for children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff carefully observe and assess children's progress. They plan a wide range of activities, which they specifically design to meet children's individual needs and interests. Staff promote children's communication and language skills well. For example, children are encouraged to use and repeat new vocabulary, such as 'prescription' and 'thermometer'. Children independently access a range of interesting books and enjoy listening to their favourite stories. Children are motivated and eager to learn and develop their imagination as they take part in role play. For instance, they share with staff that they are 'space Indians' and are going to save the 'man on the moon'. Children confidently express their creativity. For example, they paint pictures of 'Santa' and then extend this play as they use wooden resources to build Christmas trees.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff successfully promote children's confidence, self-esteem and well-being, and children form trusting relationships with them. Staff teach children the importance of a healthy lifestyle. For example, children help to prepare their snack and know they need to wash their hands before eating. Children are proud of themselves when they do this independently. Children enjoy regular opportunities to be physically active. They play outside every day and learn about the need for daily exercise and fresh air, whatever the weather. Children develop an awareness of diversity beyond their immediate family. For example, children celebrate a range of festivals and develop an understanding of other languages as they participate in their weekly French lesson.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and are well prepared for school. Children enjoy writing their names, making marks and have a very positive attitude towards their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 109058 Local authority Swindon Inspection number 824871 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 3 - 5 Total number of places 70 Number of children on roll 60 Name of provider Croft Playgroup Committee Date of previous inspection 17 July 2009 Telephone number 01793512882 or 07752 807325

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Setting details

Croft Playgroup registered in 1972 and is located in Swindon, Wiltshire. The playgroup opens Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 3pm, and Friday from 8.30am to 1pm, during school term times only. There are 15 members of childcare staff, 14 of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including one member of staff with Qualified Teacher Status. The playgroup provides funded early education for children aged three and four 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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