St Barnabas Church Playgroup

St Barnabas Church Playgroup St. Barnabas Church, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 7JY

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19 April 2018 17 March 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

 The provider monitors the setting effectively. For example, the staff team has identified and implemented a number of improvements for the benefit of the children, such as planning activities with a strong focus on children's fascinations and interests.  All children settle well, and have warm and supportive relationships with staff, including children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem. They are happy, secure and keen to explore.  Staff skilfully help children develop their language skills. For example, staff encourage them to use picture cards, sign and discussion to recall past events.  Managers and staff have an ongoing commitment to training to extend their knowledge and develop their practice. For example, targeted training on supporting language with two-year-old children has helped to build early vocabulary and communication skills.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 On occasion, staff do not make the most of available space to help increase opportunities for younger children's learning even further. At times, noise levels in the main playroom cause some distraction to children's concentration and learning.  Staff miss chances to help explain to children why healthy foods, fresh water and enjoying regular exercise are important as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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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

 seek to make the most of available space to increase opportunities for younger children's concentration and learning even further  use better opportunities to help children understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed staff interactions with the children in play activities indoors and outdoors, looked at available resources and carried out a joint observation with the play leader.  The inspector held discussions with the chair of the committee and play leader about leadership and management, safeguarding and how they evaluate practice.  The inspector held discussions with parents and took account of their views, along with written testimonials.  The inspector looked at children's information, attendance records and developmental records, and talked to staff and children at appropriate times.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of the committee and staff, and checked staff qualifications.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The management team implements clear recruitment and employment systems, including a detailed induction process. Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a good understanding of their responsibilities to protect children. They know whom to contact should any concerns arise about a child's welfare. The staff team has developed a well-informed culture that drives improvement forward. The managers monitor and track all children's progress and any emerging gaps are closed quickly. Staff have highly successful partnerships with parents, carers and professionals. They work closely with them to meet the individual needs of children and to share details of their child's progress. Parents speak very highly of staff and the professional, enjoyable approach they have with children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Experienced staff observe children's play and monitor their progress frequently. They provide exciting activities that follow the children's interests. For example, children relished the challenge of counting toy insects into a bowl with tweezers, and poking and threading straws into small holes. Staff give children opportunities to help extend their vocabulary and use their imaginations. For example, staff provided a large container of porridge oats. This inspired older children to act out a story in the home corner. Younger children enjoyed exploring the textures and sounds it made as they took off their socks to make footprints, and used it to fill, pour out and explore weight with containers.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children enjoy their time in the playgroup. They have secure attachments with their key person and the small staff team. New children settle very quickly and show they feel safe and secure as they seek out a cuddle and support from staff. Children learn what is expected of them and behave well. Staff praise and encourage children consistently throughout the day, helping them to feel valued and respected. Children of all ages learn how to keep themselves safe, for example, through daily reminders of safety rules using a potato figure. Older children make sensible choices and delight in showing respect and care for their peers and for younger children.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in their learning, ready for their eventual move to school. They develop confidence in their communication skills and listen attentively. They are independent in making choices from the experiences and activities on offer and take themselves confidently to the toilet. Children's literacy skills develop well. Most children recognise familiar letters in their name. They enjoy counting, begin to learn about problem solving and start to recognise numerals as they match wheeled toys to the correct parking bay at tidy-up time.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 101541 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 1088855 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person St Barnabas Church Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 17 March 2015 Telephone number 01242 222219

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reference number

St Barnabas Church Playgroup registered in 1993. It is situated in the Hesters Way area of Cheltenham. It operates from 9am until 1pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and from 9am until midday on Friday, during school term time. The playgroup committee employs four members of staff who work with the children. Of these, one member of staff holds early years professional status, one holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 4 and one holds a childcare qualification 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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