Wheathampstead Playgroup Ltd

Wheathampstead Playgroup Ltd Nurseries Road, Wheathampstead, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 8TP

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 28 November 2017 14 July 2014

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1

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This provision is outstanding

 The manager and staff very efficiently monitor the progress that every child makes. This helps them to swiftly identify, and fully address, any gaps in children's learning. They precisely analyse information about the progress that different groups of children make, to help ensure the outstanding success of all children.  Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, or who are at risk of falling behind, are supported exceptionally well. Staff use their highly effective skills to help children rapidly develop their speech, language and physical skills.  The key-person system is exceedingly strong and settling-in processes are highly effective in helping children to quickly feel secure. Staff are exceptionally patient and caring. Children form very close attachments to their key persons, who understand their emotional needs very well.  Staff plan a highly stimulating range of activities that encourage children of all abilities

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This provision is outstanding

to develop their creativity and thirst for learning. They expertly tailor learning to children's individual needs. This contributes to the excellent progress children make.  Staff work exceptionally well with parents and are very successful in engaging them in children's learning. Parents are highly complimentary about the care and education their children receive. They also value the excellent advice, feedback and support they receive. Parents comment how much their children enjoy coming to the playgroup.

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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

 extend children's already excellent thinking skills, giving them even more opportunities to work out how to solve problems they may encounter.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children, indoors and outdoors, and discussed children's learning with them.  The inspector observed an adult-led activity with the manager and discussed children's engagement and learning.  The inspector spoke to the staff and children at appropriate times and held a meeting with the manager.  The inspector looked at a sample of documentation, including staff qualifications, suitability checks of staff and safeguarding policies and procedures.  The inspector spoke to a number of parents and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is outstanding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff are extremely alert to any safeguarding and welfare concerns. They work very effectively with partner agencies, such as children's centres, to address any concerns. Staff turnover is extremely low. However, the provider still has rigorous recruitment procedures in place to help ensure they employ the best possible staff when they are needed. Robust appraisals and one-to-one supervisory meetings are very sharply focused on improving outcomes for children. Strengths and weaknesses in practice are thoughtfully assessed and steps are taken to very successfully improve practice. There is an extremely strong commitment to training and staff development. Staff talk confidently about how training impacts on children's development, such as how they have seen significant progress in children's communication skills by using simple sign language.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

Staff are remarkably skilful in their involvement in children's play. They give children uninterrupted time to play independently and know when to interact to extend their learning. For example, staff introduce mathematical concepts to children at the creative table. They talk to them about different shapes and children discuss how they are excited to count down the days to Christmas using numbers on an advent calendar. Children are continually engaged in highly meaningful conversation as staff continue their first-rate support. Staff recognise that they can challenge children's critical-thinking skills even more by giving them more time to answer questions. Detailed, accurate assessments are used extremely well to inform planning and are shared with parents to further support children's excellent progress in all areas of their development.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Regardless of the weather conditions, children dress appropriately and venture eagerly outside. They choose from a wide variety of highly stimulating resources and enjoy exploring in the wild and natural outdoor area. Children enjoy active, physical play. They bounce around on 'space hoppers' and talk about how this makes their legs strong. Staff encourage more reluctant children to attempt walking over stepping stones unaided, staying close by to offer a helping hand. Children freely select their own books and retreat to quiet areas to relax and share stories with their friends or staff members. Children practise very good hygiene skills. They wash their hands thoroughly with soap and put their rubbish in the bin. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff are extremely alert to any changes in behaviour and work closely with parents to address any concerns.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

All children make excellent progress, including those who have special educational needs and those who are in receipt of extra funding. Children have an extensive vocabulary and are confident and independent. They are exceptionally well prepared with the skills they need for their next stage of learning and for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY418285 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1105203 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 32 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person Wheathamstead Playgroup Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 14 July 2014 Telephone number 01582 833126

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reference number

Wheathampstead Playgroup was originally registered in 1980, and re-registered in 2010 when it moved into its current setting. It opens from Monday to Friday during school term time from 8.40am until 3.10pm. The playgroup employs 11 members of childcare staff, eight of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The playgroup receives funding for the provision of free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. It supports children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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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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