Rainbows Playgroup Ltd

Inspection of Rainbows Playgroup Ltd St Peter & St Paul's Church Hall, Church Street, Eckington, SHEFFIELD S21 4BG

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 Inadequate

p.1

The provision is good

Children quickly settle into playing with the range of interesting activities that staff provide for them. For example, children love to make sounds using the musical stepping stones. Staff want children to do the very best they can and respond positively to what children say and do. Children learn new skills at playgroup, such as how they can use their arms to help them balance as they walk on beams. They hear staff using the correct terminology; for example, when a child picked up a shape and said it was a spot, a staff member sensitively helped the child to learn the word 'circle'.

p.2

The provision is good

Children understand the playgroup routines and how to manage their feelings. This helps to create a calm and friendly atmosphere. Staff are attentive and make sure any hazards in the playgroup are quickly addressed to keep children safe. Children play safely in the well-organised environment.

p.2

The provision is good

Parents quickly notice changes in how their children communicate soon after they start playgroup. New children settle into the playgroup well because staff take time to get to know them and their parents. The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has changed the settling-in procedures and staff manage this well.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager recognises what children need to know and be able to do when they leave playgroup. She communicates this to staff and, because they understand how young children learn, they provide opportunities for children to build up the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. However, the staff do not always coordinate how they deliver the curriculum, leading to a lack of clarity for the manager about which activities they have provided to meet the specific learning needs of individual children. Activities are therefore, not always used with the intended focus for specific children. n The staff have a strong focus on developing children's confidence, communication and physical skills. In the short time that children attend playgroup they learn routines and practice skills. They learn how to hang up their own coat after playing outdoors, how to sit for group story time and they begin to recognise their name, to help them to get ready for their move to

p.2

need to do better?

nursery school. n All staff work closely with parents and professionals when children have special educational needs and/or disabilities. They take prompt action when they identify concerns that mean a child may not reach typical expectations. As a result, the children receive the support they need. Any additional funding is used carefully to meet the children's learning needs. Currently this provides extra staffing and special equipment.

p.2

need to do better?

17 May 2021 n Children are not afraid to experiment or keep trying until they achieve what they want to. They are supported to do this by staff who, at appropriate times, make suggestions or explain how something works. For example, a child was curious about how to use interlocking blocks. She tried to put one block on top of another but, because of the shape, the block fell off. After skilful adult intervention, the child learned how the blocks fitted together and made several groups of two blocks before she moved away, satisfied with what she had achieved. n Children enjoy making marks and being creative. The range of mark-making equipment is varied and includes large decorators' paintbrushes, cotton buds and chunky chalk. Children gain confidence as they use the different mark- making equipment. The most able children develop good pencil control, which they use to make carefully placed marks when they mimic staff as they write.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff are well qualified and very experienced. Their training needs and professional interests are well supported by the manager. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the manager continued this support by providing staff with access to an online training platform. Staff use their training well to support children and their families. For example, they share activities with parents from the 'Every Child a Talker' programme when they identify gaps in children's learning and development in this area.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The playgroup building and outdoor area are safe and secure. Staff check and clean all equipment daily as they pack away and set up for the session. They keep a watchful eye on the environment and remove any hazards that arise during the session. All staff understand their role in safeguarding and protecting children's welfare. They can confidently discuss the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. They are clear about the procedures they must follow if they have a concern about a child or if they think one of their colleagues is a risk to children.

p.3

should:

n improve communication between the manager and staff so that everyone has a better understanding of how the curriculum is implemented for individual children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY547383 Local authority Derbyshire Inspection number 10133537 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 13 Name of registered person Rainbows Playgroup

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07757865862 Date of previous inspection 13 November 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Rainbows Playgroup Ltd registered in 2017. It opens on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.15am to 12.15pm, during term time only. The playgroup employs eight members of staff. Of these, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The playgroup provides funded early education places for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the 2020/21 COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the curriculum and how it is delivered by staff. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the manager to assess the manager's view of the children's learning. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times and held a short meeting with the manager. n The inspector observed staff and children to gain a view of how well children learn while they are at playgroup.

p.5

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.5

Inspection activities

17 May 2021 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.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6