St. Albans Playgroup

St. Albans Playgroup St. Albans Church Hall, Norwood Drive, North Harrow, Harrow, Middlesex HA2 7PF

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Inspection date 26 March 2019 Previous inspection date 10 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 Staff accurately monitor and assess children's learning to identify what they need to learn next, consequently all children make good progress from their individual starting points. n The manager ensures children benefit from a strong key-person system. Settling-in processes at the start and at the beginning of the day are highly effective. Children quickly feel secure and develop a sense of belonging. They form strong attachments with staff and their peers. n Children are happy. Staff praise children often and recognise their efforts and achievements. This helps to raise children's confidence and sense of self-esteem. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents attend stay-and-play sessions and receive regular updates about their child's development. Parents speak highly of the staff team and value the advice that staff offer to help them to continue learning at home. n The manager leads by example and manages a strong and dedicated staff team.

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This provision is good

Together, they evaluate the provision well and gather and involve parents to help to drive improvements. n Staff have not fully considered ways to extend and challenge older children to further develop their learning and problem-solving skills. n Staff miss opportunities to interact with younger children, to ensure they are fully engaged and immersed in learning as much as possible.

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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 provide opportunities within activities to extend and challenge older children to further develop their learning and problem-solving skills n enhance the quality of interactions with younger children, ensuring they are fully engaged and immersed in learning as much as possible.

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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 indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the manager, staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the nursery manager. n The inspector looked at children's assessment records and documentation, and checked evidence of staff's suitability and qualifications. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The manager and staff know the procedures they must follow in the event of a child protection concern about a child in their care. Staff are alert to the signs of a child who may be at risk of extreme views and behaviours. Staff deploy themselves effectively and supervise children well at all times. Effective procedures are in place to ensure safe recruitment and the ongoing suitability of staff. The manager and staff complete regular risk assessments to ensure the nursery is safe, and security arrangements are robust. The manager completes regular supervision of staff and monitors their practice well. She supports staff effectively to develop their professional practice, to improve outcomes for children. The manager and staff quickly identify any developmental delays. They work closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure children who require additional support receive the individual care and attention they

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff provide opportunities for children to develop their communication and language skills. They sing nursery rhymes with children, helping them to learn rhyming words. Staff share and read stories using expressions and props. Children enjoy stories and display their good listening and attention skills. Children benefit from adult-led activities and opportunities to explore and lead their own play. For example, during a planned activity, children made a rainbow fish. Staff provided them with a range of resources, including shiny and textured material and googly eyes in different sizes. This helps children to develop their creative skills. Role-play areas are attractively set up around themes that interest children, such as a shoe shop.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff are positive role models and teach children to use good manners. They show them how to take turns and be kind to others. Children behave well and develop a good understanding of the routine of the day. Children enjoy being physically active. They move confidently across an obstacle course, demonstrating their balance and coordination. Staff provide children with plenty of resources and toys that children access independently to promote their interests.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children are developing their skills in readiness for school. Children develop early literacy and mathematical skills. For example, older children can identify initial letter sounds and recognise their names during group times. Children are learning to count and recognise shapes. Children demonstrate good hand-to-eye coordination. They use tools for a purpose, such as spades to scoop and pour sand. Children who speak English as an additional language develop the skills they need to communicate effectively.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 509009 Local authority Harrow Inspection number 10060256 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 28

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Name of registered person

St Albans Mother's Union Pre-School Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 10 November 2015 Telephone number 07886886794

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reference number

St. Albans Playgroup registered in 1964 and is situated in the London Borough of Harrow. The playgroup employs six members of childcare staff, all of whom hold childcare qualifications at level 2 or above. The playgroup is open each weekday, except Wednesday, from 9am until 12.45pm during term time only. 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.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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reference number

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