St. Marys Preschool Playgroup

Inspection of St. Marys Preschool Playgroup 322 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4BD

p.1

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

p.1

The provision requires improvement

Children enjoy themselves. They arrive happily and are greeted by friendly staff. However, they do not consistently benefit from good-quality learning experiences. Some of the activities that staff plan, such as opportunities to use dough and chalk boards, are poorly resourced and do not sustain children's interest. Although children enjoy playing alongside each other, they cannot always extend their play as there are too few resources to go around. For example, when they play in the sand, there is a single bucket. The learning environment does not fully promote children's development and provide opportunities for them to experience a wide range of stimulating, exciting activities.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Ineffective leadership from a previous management structure means that staff have not been supported effectively in their role to improve their practice. That said, staff provide some enjoyable activities in response to children's interests. For example, children learn about what happens when ice melts. Staff further children's understanding as they read books about the Arctic and zoo animals. Children like to play in the large playhouse where there are plentiful props. They develop their imagination as they take on pretend roles. Children are physically active. For example, each morning they walk a 'golden mile' in the hall. This supports children's fitness.

p.2

need to do better?

n Recent staff shortages, and weaknesses in how effectively the previous leadership team managed change, have significantly impacted on staff morale. However, a newly formed committee has begun to work with managers to form a more cohesive leadership team. This new team has started to take appropriate action to ensure that legal requirements are consistently met. n Ofsted had not been provided with the necessary information required to check the suitability of all committee members. However, any impact on children is now minimised because the committee members concerned have stepped down from their roles. n All staff do not receive regular supervision to support them in their roles and to develop their practice effectively. As a result, high standards in education are not consistently achieved. This is reflected in the lack of inspiring activities for children. Staff recognise a need to improve the learning environment, but have

p.2

need to do better?

not yet got the knowledge and support that they need to make the necessary improvements. n Children develop good independence skills. They confidently serve themselves drinks at snack time and fetch tissues to wipe their own noses. Staff are attentive and children's key persons ensure that their personal care needs are well met.

p.2

need to do better?

6 February 2020 n Children's mathematical development is supported. They learn about shapes, numbers and counting. For example, staff encourage children to recognise shapes during their play and staff role model counting on their fingers. Children enjoy looking at the buses that pass the securely fenced outdoor area. They are excited to talk about what number is showing on the bus. n Parents know their child's key person and report that their children are happy to attend the pre-school. Sometimes, staff hold termly meetings with parents, which provides some opportunities to discuss children's development in more detail. n Children engage thoughtfully and positively in conversations about the books that they share. They listen attentively to stories in small groups and look at books independently. This supports their speaking and listening skills. n Children develop good bonds with the staff. They benefit from the close support

p.2

need to do better?

that they receive throughout their day. As a result, children feel safe. Children keenly join in with the familiar routines. For example, they help to tidy away toys on staff's request. Children learn to get along well together. Where there are occasional disagreements, they express their views and seek appropriate support from staff to resolve their difficulties.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff understand and carry out their responsibilities to safeguard children. They know how to recognise and respond to the possible indicators of abuse and/or neglect. The pre-school has suitable policies and procedures in place to keep children safe and to promote their well-being. For example, staff's personal mobile phones are not used around children. Those with the lead responsibility for safeguarding children are suitably trained and demonstrate that they understand their role. Recruitment is effective and procedures are in place to ensure that all those working directly with the children are suitable for their roles.

p.3

Due date

ensure that all staff receive regular and effective supervision that helps to develop their knowledge and skills, fosters a culture of mutual support and teamwork, and encourages the discussion of sensitive issues 02/04/2020

p.3

Due date

6 February 2020 provide children with consistently challenging and enjoyable experiences to inspire them to learn. 07/05/2020

p.3

should:

n strengthen self-evaluation and involve all staff in identifying strengths and areas for improvement, to establish a clear plan for achieving high-quality education and to ensure that legal requirements are consistently met.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 251658 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10113217 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 4 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person St Mary's Pre School Playgroup Committee

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01473807252 Date of previous inspection 25 April 2016

p.5

Information about this early years setting

St. Marys Preschool Playgroup registered in 1999. The pre-school employs seven members of childcare staff, all of whom have appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. This includes the acting manager, who has a level 5 qualification. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 9am until 3.30pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9am until midday on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This inspection was carried out as a result of the risk assessment process, following information received about the provision that raised concerns. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions between staff and children and evaluated the impact that these had on children's learning and development. The inspector discussed what is provided for children to support their learning on a learning walk with the acting manager. n The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of staff members. First-aid training certificates were viewed. n The inspector held joint discussions with the manager, and had a brief meeting. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. The inspector evaluated the experiences of children. n The inspector spoke with parents and considered their views about the setting.

p.6

Inspection activities

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.6

Inspection activities

6 February 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