New Stepping Stones Playgroup

Inspection of New Stepping Stones Playgroup 1st Sea Scout Hall, Alder Road, Mortlake, London SW14 8ER

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

The manager and staff work well together as an enthusiastic and well-established team. Children self-register when they arrive at the nursery and settle quickly. Children develop a strong sense of belonging and self-worth. Children are happy in their play and behave well as they explore the warm and welcoming nursery with confidence. The rooms and outdoor area are thoughtfully planned to stimulate children's curiosity and challenge their learning. Children are keen to explore and investigate. They shine torches around the room and look in awe at how the light dances, and enjoy creative activities, such as making colourful pictures and collages.

p.2

The provision is good

Children show that they feel safe and secure as they seek out their friends and quickly become engaged in a range of activities and experiences provided for them. For example, children enjoy imaginary play as they hand out tickets and go on a train journey with their friends.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff have high expectations of children's learning. They have a good knowledge of children's abilities and how to support them. Staff work with parents and other professionals to identify targets to support children's individual needs. Parents are extremely happy with the service provided and the care their child receives.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager and staff are passionate and ambitious to provide good-quality education and inclusive care for all children. The special educational needs coordinator has good systems in place to support children with English as an additional language and children with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND). She has made good links with other professionals to offer a collaborative approach and, as a result, children with SEND make good progress from their starting points. The setting has been awarded Inclusion Hub status (only 1 of 9 awarded in the boroughs of Kingston and Richmond) to support children with special needs. n Overall, teaching is good. Children have fun working in small groups, developing their concentration and listening skills. Staff help children to acquire the skills they need for their future learning, including making a successful transition to school life. n Behaviour is good. Children sit and listen well at circle times. Mixed-age groups

p.2

need to do better?

promote good behaviour. The youngest children learn from the oldest children. This is further facilitated by staff, who are good role models and use a range of strategies to promote positive behaviour in the setting. n Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene skills, such as washing their hands. However, at times staff complete tasks for children which they could do

p.2

need to do better?

20 January 2020 for themselves. This does not give children the best opportunities to develop their independence to the highest level. Children's independence is not consistently promoted during daily routines, such as serving their own snack and blowing their own noses. n Children's good health is promoted through healthy snacks and daily outdoor play. Children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise in the well- resourced outdoor space. They develop their physical skills and confidence as they run, jump and pedal bicycles, negotiating space and obstacles as they move around. They take part in weekly football, yoga and music sessions, where they learn to listen and follow instructions. n Children learn about mathematical concepts. For instance, they learn about space, shape and measure from a range of resources such as puzzles, the sandpit and the mud kitchen. Children enjoy repeatedly filling and emptying

p.2

need to do better?

containers during water play. This helps them to gain an understanding about weight, capacity and volume as they play. n Overall, good attention is given to the acquisition of children's language skills. Staff repeat key words and introduce new language to children. However, some staff do not use skilful questioning techniques. They ask questions that do not always encourage children's critical thinking skills. n Staff provide opportunities for children to develop their literacy skills. Children enjoy mark making and learn how to use scissors to practise their cutting. Older children start to form letters in their writing books and write their own names. n The manager and staff from positive relationships with the parents. Staff keep them informed of their children's learning through an online system. They share ideas with parents of activities for them to try at home to support their children's next steps.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of how to keep children safe. They know how to recognise the signs that a child might be at risk of harm. There are clear procedures implemented to record any concerns staff have about children's welfare. Staff are alert to wider safeguarding issues such as 'Prevent' duty. They know what action to take if they have any concerns about their colleagues or children's welfare. All staff hold valid paediatric first-aid qualifications. They carry out daily risk assessments to make sure that the premises are secure and ensure children are well supervised at all times.

p.3

should:

n increase opportunities for children to develop their independence during daily

p.3

should:

20 January 2020 activities n strengthen staff's knowledge of skilful questioning to extend children's critical thinking skills to the highest level.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 109227 Local authority Richmond Upon Thames Inspection number 10138175 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 2 to 5 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 44 Name of registered person New Stepping Stones Playgroup Committee

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 020 8878 7029 Date of previous inspection 25 February 2016

p.5

Information about this early years setting

New Stepping Stones Playgroup registered in 1992. It is located in the Sea Scout Hall in Mortlake, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is open Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 12.30pm, during school term time. An optional breakfast club runs from Monday to Thursday from 8.40am until 9.15 am when setting opens to children not participating in clubs. The playgroup receives funding to provide free early education to children aged three and four years.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk and discussed how the curriculum is planned. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during indoor and outdoor activities, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Discussions were held with the management team. The inspector reviewed relevant statutory documentation, including evidence of the suitability of staff and policies used by the setting. n The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their views.

p.5

Inspection activities

20 January 2020 We carried out this inspection 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

20 January 2020 regulates and inspects to 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7