Sparrows Playgroup

Sparrows Playgroup St. Peter & St. Paul, High Street, West Mersea, COLCHESTER CO5 8QD

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Inspection date 29 November 2018 Previous inspection date 13 October 2014

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n Children have formed strong bonds and attachments with staff. They show that they feel safe and their emotional needs are well met. Children are settled and enjoy attending the playgroup. n Staff support children's early language and communication skills well. They repeat words when children play to build on children's vocabulary and understanding. Children have lots of opportunities to engage in conversation with staff and they are very keen to share their thoughts and ideas. n The staff team work well together. Staff are confident in their role of promoting children's learning. Good, and occasionally very good, teaching is evident. All children make good progress. n Staff observe and monitor children's learning well. They identify what children need to learn next and help them to make good progress in their learning. Staff plan activities based on children's interests this helps them to be motivated in their play.

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This provision is good

n At times, adult-led activities are not sufficiently well organised to consistently meet the learning needs of the youngest children. n The manager has not fully implemented highly effective performance management systems that help to raise practice to an outstanding level.

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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

n sharpen the planning of adult-led activities to take even more account of the needs of the youngest children n monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching even more effectively and coach and support all staff to raise their knowledge and practice to the highest levels.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and evaluated the impact that this has on children's learning and progress. n The inspector spoke with staff and children. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through reading the written feedback provided. n The inspector sampled a range of documentation including policies and evidence of the suitability of staff working at the playgroup. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a teaching activity with the manager.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a good knowledge of the procedures they should follow if they are concerned about a child's welfare. The whole staff team evaluates the quality of provision in order to maintain and build on the good standards. Partnerships with local schools are good. This helps staff to prepare children for the next stage in their learning. Staff strive to include parents in their child's learning. For example, they talk to parents daily and offer lots of advice about development and learning and how to promote this at home.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff provide a good range of motivating activities that reflect children's interests and supports their individual learning. Older children enjoy listening to stories. Staff skilfully use their voices to sustain children's interest. Children join in with the repetition and give their thoughts on what might happen next. Children have many opportunities to learn about their local community. For example, they go on regular walks and have visited places of interest, such as a nature reserve and the local life boat station. These outings are one of the ways that the playgroup successfully support children's understanding of the world.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children thrive in the nurturing playgroup. They develop strong relationships with staff and other children. Children show that they feel safe and secure. For instance, they confidently talk to visitors as they select toys and resources independently. Staff help children to develop an awareness of healthy lifestyles, For example, they talk to children about how foods are good for their bodies as they eat fruits at snack time. Children are encouraged to manage their own self-help skills and care routines such as toileting and hand-washing. Children's behaviour is good. Staff promote listening and attention skills and encourage children to take part in routines and be independent. They regularly praise children as they achieve new things. Children use good manners and understand expectations.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children show good levels of concentration and engagement with activities. They become confident and develop good social skills. Children learn to share and take turns. They learn how to write their name and recognise shapes. All children make good progress and are well prepared for their next stage of learning, including their eventual move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY429923 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10069346 Type of provision Full day care Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 30 Name of registered person Sparrows Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 13 October 2014 Telephone number 01206 384321

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reference number

Sparrows Playgroup registered in 2011. The playgroup employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, one member of staff holds qualified teacher status and three hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The playgroup opens Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during school term time. Sessions are from 9.15am until 11.45am on Monday and Friday and from 9am until 2.45pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

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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.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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