The Crescent Playgroup

The Crescent Playgroup St.Lukes Church Hall, The Crescent,Bricket Wood, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 3NF

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 February 2018 19 September 2017

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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

 The manager has taken swift action to rectify the safeguarding issue raised at the last inspection. All adults connected with the playgroup have appropriate checks in place.  Children settle quickly in the playgroup. The excellent relationships with staff help children to feel secure. Staff are on hand ready to work with any child feeling anxious.  Staff provide high levels of support to ensure every child is included. Children's progress is good. They are eager to learn and enjoy investigating the many interesting experiences on offer. Staff frequently observe children and assess their progress.  The partnerships with other professionals contribute significantly to ensuring continuity in children's care and learning.  Parents speak highly of the playgroup. They say that the communication is very good and they are well informed about children's experiences and progress.  Managers are working hard to sustain improvements, addressing the weaknesses

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This provision is good

identified by the team and outside organisations.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The supervision systems are not fully effective in identifying precise training needs for all staff or evaluating the impact of training on practice.  Opportunities for parents to contribute to the initial baseline assessment for their children are limited.

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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

 make optimal use of staff supervision systems to identify training needs and to evaluate the impact of any training on staff practice  increase opportunities for parents to provide details of what children know and can do when they first attend the playgroup.

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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 manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the playgroup.  The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff recognise the possible signs of abuse and know what to do if they are concerned about a child. They are vigilant in supervising children to ensure they stay safe. Staff work well as a team. They communicate effectively, sharing important information about the children. The manager has made great strides in organising the systems in place. This includes updating the planning for learning to help staff make the most of their time with the children. The manager monitors staff practice and helps them to reflect on what they do well and what they can improve. She recognises good teaching when she sees it. The manager tracks children's progress rigorously. She, along with each key person, identifies gaps in learning and decides on how to help children catch up. The successful partnership with the local school supports children in their move to the Reception class.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff use children's interests well to engage them in learning. Staff successfully support children in their chosen activities. They use a variety of teaching methods, encouraging children and extending their learning. Children enjoy using their imagination as they build towers with the large soft blocks. They are showing their good hand control as they fill cups and pour water into larger containers. Children use words to describe what they are doing. They know when the container is full and when it is empty. Teaching supports children to express their creativity as they make pictures and model the dough. Staff provide plenty of resources and encourage children to use their prior learning and knowledge in their play. The lively storytelling offers children a wealth of opportunities to get actively involved in the story.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff provide children with very good support to help them learn to keep themselves safe. They guide children to use equipment with care, while still allowing them to be independent. Children behave well and staff are good role models. The strategies in use help children learn boundaries and to listen and follow instructions. Staff are clear and consistent. Children are active inside and outdoors. They quickly learn about good hygiene as they wash their hands before eating and drinking.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children gain the skills they need. They make good progress and are prepared for the next stage in their learning. Children use their good talking skills to explain how they use scissors to cut. They have a love of books, and enjoy listening to familiar stories as a large group and individually with their key person. Children use their knowledge of numbers in their play. They count objects and make good attempts to recognise numbers. Children quickly learn to be independent as they help with the plates and cups at snack time, and put on their coats and boots ready for outdoor play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 123582 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1114784 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 34 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person The Crescent Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 19 September 2017 Telephone number 07516886674

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reference number

The Crescent Playgroup registered in 1993. The playgroup employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one holds qualified teacher status. The playgroup opens from Tuesday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 9.15am to 12.15pm on Tuesday and Thursday, 9.15am to 1pm on Wednesday, and 9.15am to 2.30pm on Friday. The playgroup provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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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