Armfield Playgroup

Armfield Playgroup U.R. Church Hall, Armfield Road, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 0DL

p.1

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 January 2018 17 December 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 show their delight at discovering a small toy inside a block of ice. Their attention is maintained as staff encourage them to think about how they could get the toy out. Children demonstrate a clear understanding of how to keep safe. For example, as they chip away at the ice they talk about being careful that it does not flick into their eyes.  Children show high levels of confidence as they move around the indoor and outdoor environments. They are encouraged by staff to make choices about what they would like to do. Children make close friendships and enjoy practising their talking skills as they excitedly speak to each other and staff.  Parents describe staff as 'kind'. They also talk about how they really enjoy the 'family feel' that the playgroup provides for their children.  Recruitment procedures are robust and ensure that staff and volunteers are subject to all relevant suitability checks. Staff receive good levels of support from the provider.

p.1

This provision is good

She works alongside them and provides regular supervision and team meetings.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not always use information from assessments as effectively as possible to identify and plan highly precise next steps for children's learning.  The provider does not fully promote effective strategies to encourage parents to share information about their children's achievements at home.

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

 make the most effective use of information gained from assessments to focus more precisely on what children need to learn next to help them to make the best possible progress  extend the good communication with parents, exploring ways for them to share what they know about their children's learning and development at home.

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 spoke with staff and children during the inspection.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the provider.  The inspector held a meeting with the provider. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff and volunteers working in the playgroup.  The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their views through the feedback provided.

p.2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The provider and her staff are aware of the signs of abuse. They know how to report any concerns they may have and implement the whistle-blowing procedure. Children's safety is successfully promoted. The playgroup environment is well maintained. Swift action is taken in response to potential risks identified through regular assessments and daily safety checks. This helps to protect the well-being of children. The manager and her long-standing staff team work together to support children and their families. Training opportunities help staff to develop their practice. The provider takes account of the views of staff, parents and children as part of ongoing self-evaluation. She uses this feedback to help inform future improvements.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children enjoy making pretend meals for their friends as part of imaginary play. They show a good understanding of the wider world. Children explain to adults that their baby doll is not well and put it to bed to have a sleep. Children using the garden have lots of fun as they experiment with water and equipment. Staff encourage them to work out problems and develop their hand-to-eye coordination. For example, children successfully pour a bottle of water into a drainpipe, which is placed at an angle. They watch in delight as it spills out of the other end into a tray. Staff use props as part of story time, which helps to engage children. They also use this opportunity to extend children's understanding of simple mathematics as they compare the size of a small, medium and large teddy bear.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Families are greeted warmly by staff as they arrive at playgroup. Children settle quickly and develop firm bonds with their key person and other staff. Children respond well to the consistent ground rules that are implemented by staff. This helps them to learn what is expected of them. For example, staff encourage children to share and take turns as part of activities. Children enjoy praise from staff in recognition of their individual efforts. This helps to nurture their self-esteem well. Children show good levels of independence. They are aware of personal hygiene routines, such as handwashing in preparation for snacks. Children enjoy a balanced range of foods and regularly spend time playing outdoors in the fresh air.

p.3

Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress relative to their starting points. They are effectively challenged and motivated to learn. Children show good levels of perseverance as they explore and investigate a wide range of interesting activities. They use their imagination well and have fun throwing oats into the air telling their friends that it is snowing. Children develop physical skills, such as coordination as they climb large play equipment. They are effectively learning the skills needed for the next stage in learning and their eventual move to school.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY288707 Local authority Enfield Inspection number 1070589 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 26 Number of children on roll 37 Name of registered person Sandra Ann Dimond

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection 17 December 2014 Telephone number 07709290291

p.4

reference number

Armfield Playgroup re-registered in 2004. The playgroup employs five members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 9.15am to 12.15pm. The setting 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