Little Pickles Playgroup

Little Pickles Playgroup Little Pickles Playgroup, Bradfords Lane, Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1QT

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 24 May 2017 13 April 2015

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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

 Children make good progress in their learning. Staff use detailed observations and assessments to plan and support children as they learn. Children enjoy the activities provided and their time at the setting.  The well-established staff team provides a calm, caring and stimulating environment. This helps children to grow in confidence and form close relationships with staff and other children.  Staff have good opportunities to attend regular training courses to help extend their skills and maintain their good practice.  Staff work well with other professionals to support children who have special educational needs. Staff plan activities to help children catch up in relation to their individual starting points.  Partnerships with parents are good. Staff share detailed information with parents daily, which helps to keep them fully involved in their children's learning and development.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Sometimes during some small-group adult-led activities, staff do not recognise that other children may benefit from joining in rather than having to wait.  Staff miss opportunities to develop children's understanding that they can access the outside area at any time, not just after snack time, particularly for those who prefer to learn outside.

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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

 review opportunities during adult-led small-group activities for other children to take part if they wish  improve children's understanding about when they can access the outside learning environment, especially those who learn better outside.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities and staff's interactions with children in the playroom and the outside learning environment.  The inspector had discussions with the chair of the committee, the manager, staff and children.  The inspector took into account the views of parents and carers spoken to on the day.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of staff working with children, and the provider's self-evaluation and improvement plan.  The inspector sampled a range of documentation, including children's records, safeguarding procedures, and written policies and procedures.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff use attendance registers effectively to monitor children's attendance. All staff are clear about the signs that may give them cause for concern about a child's welfare and the steps they need to take if necessary. The chair and committee are supportive of the staff. They monitor staff performance effectively and identify areas for additional training to maintain their professional development and the quality of care. Through regular evaluation of practice, the manager and staff are able to identify areas to improve for the benefit of the children. Parents speak highly of the care provided and of the staff.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Effective observations and assessments help staff monitor children's progress closely and close any gaps in their learning. There is a good standard of teaching. Staff use their qualifications and information from training to help support children in their development. Staff provide an interesting and stimulating range of activities to engage and motivate children. For example, children explore different textures of sand as a little water is added at a time until there is more water than sand. Staff encourage children to share and to take turns. They help children to develop their mathematical understanding through carefully planned activities. Children recognise numbers and colours clearly. Staff support children well in their development of communication and language skills. They talk constantly to children as they interact together during free play and adult-led activities.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children settle quickly into the setting when they arrive. Children feel safe and secure as they sit with their key person for adult-led activities. Staff know the children and their routines well, which helps them to meet children's individual needs effectively. Children are well behaved. They respond well to the positive praise and encouragement they receive from the staff. Children learn about healthy lifestyles. They have regular access to fresh air and exercise in the outside learning environment. Children develop their independence skills well. They enjoy selecting and serving their own snacks and pouring their drinks. Resources reflect positive images of other cultures, which helps children to learn about the world around them.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress in relation to their individual starting points. They are motivated and eager to learn. They learn to work with others and negotiate when required. Children enjoy developing their imagination and physical skills, such as when they play in the home corner. Staff support children well in preparation for their next stages of learning and for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 101817 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 1088874 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 40 Name of registered person Little Pickles Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 13 April 2015 Telephone number 01531 828076

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reference number

Little Pickles Playgroup opened in 1999 and registered in 2001. The playgroup is open during school terms on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 3pm and on Wednesday from 9am to midday. The provider receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. A team of five staff works with the children and is supported by an office manager. Two members of staff have qualified teacher status, one has early years professional status, and three hold early years qualifications at level 3.

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reference number

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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reference number

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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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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