St John's Playgroup

St John's Playgroup St John's Church Hall, Bilton Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 3DP

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 4 December 2015 16 April 2013

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

 Teaching is good. Staff assess children's development to identify what they already know and can do, and plan appropriate and engaging activities to encourage further development across the areas of learning.  Children are motivated, active learners who are eager to participate in activities. They make good progress in their learning and development and are well prepared for the next stage in their learning, including school.  Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents are positive about the impact that the playgroup has on their children's development. Parents are asked to contribute to their children's assessment by sharing their knowledge of what their children know and can do.  Children's individual care routines are identified and met. Older children are supported and encouraged to meet their own care needs, to promote further learning.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff have not yet fully evaluated the progress made by different groups of children.  Opportunities for children to share and develop their own ideas and to solve their own simple problems are missed.

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

 evaluate the progress of different groups of children and use the information gained to ensure that gaps in children's learning are quickly closed  ensure that children are provided with opportunities to share and develop their own ideas and to solve their own simple problems.

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 manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the self-evaluation and a range of policies and procedures.  The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Leaders and managers promote continuous improvement and support staff to undertake professional development. The skills of the qualified teacher are used well to improve the quality of practice and have a positive impact on children's outcomes. Children are supported well in their preparation for school. Children who are leaving for school in the following year attend playgroup for an extra session each Friday. This provides further opportunities to spend time together and develop the social and emotional skills required for school. The arrangements for safeguarding children are effective. Staff know what to do if they have concerns abut a child. Checks and monitoring are in place to ensure that the premises are suitable and that children can access resources safely. There is a wide range of policies and procedures in place which reflect the practice of the playgroup. Parents and children are consulted about the playgroup improvement plans.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff are particularly skilled in developing children's communication and language skills. They fully explain as they play alongside children. Children enjoy seeing their own ideas for activities introduced and learn key skills while exploring. They concentrate for extended periods of time while they wrap their own gifts and develop their literacy skills as they write the name of the recipient on the label. Children learn to take turns and spend time together as they decorate the tree independently of adults. Mathematical concepts are introduced through play and exploration. Numbers and mathematical words are used and practised as a small group of children make scented dough. Staff extend learning opportunities for children and support them in developing their skills together. This helps children to be highly engaged in their learning and make good progress.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children have good relationships with staff and have the opportunity to choose their own key person. This helps children to make strong relationships with the adults. Children demonstrate that they are happy and settled. Children are confident to explore, try things for themselves and make new friendships. They are beginning to learn about similarities and differences and developing empathy for others. Children have opportunities to learn in many different ways and embrace the range of opportunities available to them. Behaviour is managed well. When there are issues, staff address these promptly and calmly. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices and to develop their self-help skills during the routines of the day. For example, they spread cheese on their crackers, chop their own cucumber and wash their own hands at snack time. This helps children to learn about making safe and healthy choices.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children are developing well and some children are developing beyond expectations. Parents, staff and other agencies work together to support children who may have lower starting points.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 400351 Local authority North Yorkshire Inspection number 1028008 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 26 Name of provider St John's Playgroup Committee Date of previous inspection 16 April 2013 Telephone number 01423506152

p.4

Setting details

St John's Playgroup was registered in 1992. The playgroup employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, six hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3, including one with Qualified Teacher Status. The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 9.15am until 11.45am and two afternoon sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3pm and a lunch session on Fridays. 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