Thorpe on the Hill Playgroup

Inspection of Thorpe on the Hill Playgroup Thorpe on the Hill Play Group, School Lane, Thorpe-on-the-Hill, LINCOLN LN6 9BN

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Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Children's welfare and safety are not assured. The nominated person and committee have not provided necessary information to Ofsted about themselves to enable suitability checks can be completed. Those who have oversight and governance of the playgroup do not have an in-depth understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, essential records are not available to view at inspection, such as paediatric first-aid certificates. Staff suitability checks do not contain all the required information.

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The provision is inadequate

Children are confident, they are curious about visitors and keenly involve them in their play and learning. Children ask visitors questions and find a pretend keyboard so they can be the same as them, making notes on their 'computer'. Children show kindness and consideration to their peers. When they want a toy but their friend wants it too, they say, 'I've got a plan'. They fetch them the same toy and say, 'there you go, one each'. Children spontaneously use good manners. They ask staff, 'can you do this please' when they want their apron fastening. Staff plan opportunities for children to develop their literacy skills, such as to listen to stories. They use their voices in different ways to capture children's attention. Children develop a love of books. They become enthralled by familiar stories and join in with familiar phrases from the book. Children answer questions about what is going to happen next.

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need to do better?

n The nominated individual has not supplied Ofsted with information about themselves and members of the committee to enable suitability checks to be completed. This is a legal requirement of registration. n Leaders do not always identify weaknesses in safeguarding practice. Records are not readily available for inspection. While the manager maintains there is a fully trained paediatric first aider always on site, the inspector is unable to check this. Details of criminal record checks do not all contain the date the check was obtained and details of who obtained it. n Staff know the children well and what they need to learn next. For example, staff recognise when children can count confidently and introduce more challenging calculating skills. They suggest, 'you have four and you need 10, how many more do you need?' Children count staff's fingers and reply, 'six'. This supports children to make progress in their learning.

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need to do better?

n Staff support child-led play, focusing on children's individual needs and interests. Children happily explore their learning environment and readily invite the adults to join them. This is evident when children explore jigsaws. Staff give them lots of praise and encouragement and with little intervention children finish the jigsaws and fetch more. They become highly involved and persevere for great

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need to do better?

13 January 2022 lengths of time. n Staff help children to feel valued and to have a sense of belonging in the playgroup. For instance, they display children's artwork thoughtfully, encouraging children to have a sense of pride in their achievements. n Staff access professional development opportunities to further improve outcomes and experiences for children. For instance, staff research different approaches to learning, such as creating a calming environment for children. This forms part of the playgroup's action plan and vision for future development. Staff comment that they feel valued and happy in their role in the playgroup. n Staff encourage children to respect and care for the local community. For example, they pick up litter while visiting the local nature reserve. Children attend local social groups where they mix with different generations of people. n Staff provide stimulating activities. Children thoroughly enjoy investigating

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need to do better?

water. They learn about quantity when they fill and empty receptacles and staff enhance their exploratory impulse by adding real lemons. Children squeeze the lemons, smell them and lick their fingers, stating they taste 'sour'. n Children have good opportunities to develop key skills for life, such as independence. They look after their environment as they help to tidy up resources. All children understand the importance of regular handwashing, especially after coughing and before mealtimes. Children enjoy being physically active. They engage in energetic outdoor play. The outdoor space provides many opportunities for children to develop their big muscles, such as running and chasing one another.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

The nominated person responsible for leading the playgroup is not aware of her roles and responsibilities. There are several breaches to legal requirements that significantly compromise the safety and welfare of children. Despite weaknesses in the leadership and management of the playgroup, staff confidently describe indicators that a child may be at risk of abuse or has been abused. They understand what to do if they do have any concerns. They know the playgroup procedures and the external organisations that they must report any incidents or concerns to. The manager ensures that staff keep their safeguarding knowledge up to date.

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Due date

13 January 2022 ensure that those with oversight and governance improve their knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities to maintain requirements 18/02/2022

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Due date

develop an understanding of changes that must be notified to Ofsted, with particular regard to supplying Ofsted with the necessary information to enable suitability checks to be carried out on the nominated individual and committee members for the playgroup 18/02/2022

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Due date

ensure all records are readily available for inspection with particular regard to paediatric first-aid certificates 18/02/2022

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Due date

ensure suitability records contain all required information. 18/02/2022

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Setting details

Unique reference number 253575 Local authority Lincolnshire Inspection number 10138461 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 14 Number of children on roll 25 Name of registered person Thorpe-on-the-Hill Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07949 371609 Date of previous inspection 26 March 2015

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Information about this early years setting

Thorpe on the Hill Playgroup was registered in 1992. The playgroup employs four members of childcare staff, plus a relief member of staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The playgroup is open term time only. Sessions are Monday and Friday from 8.50am until 11.50am, and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am until 3pm. The playgroup provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the playgroup. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the playgroup and discussed the early years curriculum. n Staff and children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation together. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the playgroup. n The inspector spoke to a parent and took account of feedback offered.

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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.

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Inspection activities

13 January 2022 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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