St Michaels Playgroup

St Michaels Playgroup St Michaels Playgroup, Roding Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3EJ

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Inspection date 9 January 2019 Previous inspection date 24 November 2015

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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 Management and staff are enthusiastic and work well together as part of a friendly and motivated team. There is an ongoing commitment to raising standards and delivery of the highest quality provision for children and their families. n Partnerships with parents are a key strength. Staff forge strong and trusting relationships with parents and keep them well informed about children's development and well-being. Parents praise the staff team highly for the care and attention they give their children. n Children develop strong emotional bonds with their key person and all members of staff. They are happy, settled and enjoy their time at the playgroup. They develop confident social skills in readiness for school. n Staff know children well. They talk confidently about where children are in their learning and development and what they need to do to support their continuing progress. Staff plan interesting and stimulating activities that are rooted in children's

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This provision is good

interests and build on what they already know. n Staff are positive role models for children and manage behaviour well. They encourage children to use good manners. Children are polite and friendly and learn to be tolerant, respectful and kind. n The managers have not yet explored a wide range of performance management opportunities that aim to raise the quality of teaching to the very highest levels. n Occasionally, staff do not adjust teaching during planned activities quickly enough to consider the varying needs of the different ages of children.

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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 explore a wider range of performance management opportunities that are sharply focused on raising the quality of teaching to an outstanding level n adapt teaching and planned experiences to suit the different ages of the children.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during indoor and outdoor activities, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with staff and children during the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with both of the playgroup managers. n The inspector held a meeting with the playgroup managers. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the playgroup. n The inspector spoke to a small number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The suitability of staff members is checked when they are recruited and is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Leaders and staff demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. They know how to report concerns regarding a child's welfare. This contributes to keeping children safe. Staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates, further supporting them in their role. Staff feel effectively supported and valued by the managers. Self- evaluation is effective. The managers involve their team and parents to reflect on the quality of the provision and drive continuous improvements. Partnerships with parents and other professionals are strong. Parents express a high regard for the help and support they receive from all staff.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have a good understanding of how children learn. They use their observations and assessments of children's development to plan interesting activities that engage them effectively. Children are happy and confident individuals who demonstrate a strong drive to learn. Attentive staff support children to play together well, sharing ideas and developing strong friendships with their peers. Staff provide many opportunities to extend children's communication skills. They engage in meaningful conversations with children and encourage them to share their home experiences. Staff introduce new vocabulary in context as they share favourite books together. Younger children enthusiastically join in moving and singing along to favourite action rhymes. Children have many opportunities to make marks. They enjoy drawing and then describing their pictures to staff.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children demonstrate that they feel happy, safe and secure in this welcoming playgroup. Staff are sensitive to children's individual needs when helping them to settle. This helps foster nurturing relationships. Staff are good role models and provide consistent guidance to help children manage their behaviour. Children's independence is well promoted from an early age and they follow good hygiene routines. Children show great confidence as they explore the stimulating environment happily and with self-assurance. Children develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise in the outdoor area.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress. Children choose their own equipment, which they treat with respect. They are keen to explore and investigate. Children develop good listening, speaking and social skills and communicate well with each other, staff and visitors. Staff support children to count and talk about shapes as they play, which helps them to develop good mathematical skills. Children learn skills, including writing their names. Children are well prepared for their next stage in learning and for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY361446 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10062978 Type of provision Sessional day care

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 32 Name of registered person St Michaels Playgroup Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 24 November 2015 Telephone number 07850362336

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reference number

St Michaels Playgroup registered in 2007 and is located in Loughton, Essex. The playgroup employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The playgroup opens Monday to Thursday during school term times. Sessions on Monday are from 8.30am until 2.30pm. On Tuesday to Thursday, sessions are from 8.30am until 3pm.

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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.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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reference number

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