Little Lache

Little Lache Poplar Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH4 8EY

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 13 July 2017 2 April 2014

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

 Children are valued and respected as individuals. They thrive in the care of the enthusiastic staff team. The atmosphere of the playgroup is very calm and welcoming.  The newly appointed manager and deputy manager are passionate about their roles. They have devised effective action plans to identify and address areas of the provision which can be further developed.  Staff are knowledgeable about children's development. They plan a range of activities to support children's development across all areas.  Children behave well and, where appropriate, are encouraged to manage disagreements for themselves. For example, they use a sand timer to monitor when it is time for the next child to have a turn with popular resources, such as bicycles or tablet computers.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 The newly appointed manager has not implemented a highly effective system to monitor and evaluate children's progress so that assessment arrangements can be more accurate, considering the views of others, and reflective of individual children's skills.  At times, staff miss opportunities to help children identify, think about and solve problems for themselves.

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

 continue to embed the tracking and monitoring systems which enhance the accuracy of assessment, making effective use of information from those involved in children's learning  sharpen the focus on creating opportunities for children to solve problems independently.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector had a tour of the areas of the premises used for childcare purposes.  The inspector met with the provider and manager. She reviewed relevant documentation, including evidence of staff suitability checks, their qualifications and policies.  The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times. She assessed the impact that the indoor and outdoor activities have on children's learning.  The inspector reviewed written feedback provided by parents.  The inspector conducted a joint observation with the manager.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff and leaders have a good knowledge and understanding of child protection and wider safeguarding issues. They know how to identify, monitor and report any concerns to the necessary authorities. Staff have attained appropriate qualifications and some staff are being supported to work towards higher qualifications. The manager is passionate about disseminating current information and training opportunities to further enhance the quality of practice. The manager has developed a positive relationship with the local authority to access further support and training, enhancing the playgroup. Parents provide positive feedback about how well their children are progressing and the kinds of activities they are supported to become engaged in.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have a good knowledge of individual children's interests and how they like to learn. Children who require extra support benefit from specifically targeted activities to support their good progress from their starting points. Younger children eagerly help staff to make malleable dough. They observe the changes that occur when more flour or water is added and begin to develop expressive language to describe this process. Children engage in a range of experiences in the outdoor area. Many older children play well in groups and the range of resources available to them creates a rich range of experiences. Some children, for example, enjoy a pretend trip to the beach on a train they have created from wooden crates. Their imagination is further stimulated and their play is extended, as staff suggest they use the sandpit to make sandcastles.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children enjoy attending the playgroup. They settle into the setting well as the procedures to help them do so are thorough. For example, staff visit children at home to begin to foster a relationship with them in a familiar environment before they start attending. Children are taught to manage risks appropriately, for example, as they learn to use equipment in the outdoor area. Staff have thoughtfully arranged and resourced the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children can choose from a range of resources that supports their engagement and interest. Staff are positive role models for children. Children are encouraged to be independent. They help to apply their own sun cream on sunny days to protect their skin. Staff provide healthy snacks to promote children's physical health.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children are progressing well from their individual starting points. They are developing a range of skills which helps to prepare them for their future learning and the move on to school. Older children, for example, begin to take some responsibility to help staff with daily routines. They help to give out bowls and cups at snack time and respond warmly to staff's effective use of praise. Children are supported to develop their early literacy skills in a number of ways. They demonstrate pride as they produce recognisable letters to form their names.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 305163 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 1087752 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 34 Name of registered person Little Lache Playgroup t/a Little Lache Committee

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection 2 April 2014 Telephone number 01244 682 666

p.4

reference number

Little Lache registered in 1972. The playgroup employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, all hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 8.55am until 3.15pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, sessions are from 8.55am until midday. The playgroup provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

reference number

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

reference number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

p.5

reference number

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

p.5