St Andrews Playgroup

Inspection of St Andrews Playgroup Johns Street, Bolton BL7 9BA

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and enjoy attending this friendly and welcoming playgroup. They feel safe and secure because they have strong relationships with the caring staff. Children's behaviour is excellent, as staff have high expectations of them. They sit nicely at the table for snack time and are developing their independence by pouring their own drinks. Children show high levels of well-being as they access a wide range of experiences. They busily mix the ingredients to bake a mud cake in a wheelbarrow. This is supporting their creativity and imagination. As they balance carefully on logs to reach leaves on a branch, they are developing their physical skills and coordination.

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The provision is good

Children learn about the natural world around them. The bug hotel supports children to care for other things as they hunt for the worms that live there. Children talk with adults about past experiences and what they may see today. This is supporting their communication skills. In the woods, children enjoy acting out the story of the 'Bear Hunt' with an adult. This is encouraging a love of books and stimulates their imaginations. Inside they use blocks to construct a long and short road, promoting their mathematical skills.

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need to do better?

n Leadership is strong, they have a clear vision for the playgroup and identify areas for improvement. Their reflective practice ensures that they are constantly evaluating the quality of their provision. This is discussed often with the staff team, who feel supported in achieving to their fullest potential. The staff share strong values and provide high-quality care for children. This has a positive impact on children's emotional development and well-being. n Children access a varied curriculum that supports development within all areas of learning. Starting points are identified as children start playgroup. Staff closely monitor children's progress through effective assessment. The key- person system ensures that next steps are shared with the team, so that children's individual needs are consistently met. However, children do not always receive appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development.

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need to do better?

n Communication is a key area of focus for the playgroup. Staff have accessed specialised training and use resources to identify children's communication skills. Early intervention is offered to all children who are not within the expected age and stage of development, as well as referrals for additional support when needed. However, staff do not consistently model correct language across all areas of their practice. For example, dragging out the words when counting objects with children. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. The special educational needs coordinator is experienced and

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need to do better?

25 May 2022 knowledgeable and builds strong relationships with families. Children receive regular intervention plans, which are reviewed. All discussions around the children's needs also involve parents. As a result, SEND children are given the opportunity to achieve to their fullest potential. n Children are supported to understand their feelings. They have a positive attitude to their learning and show high levels of enjoyment, particularly outdoors. Children understand the routine, they know what is coming next and follow adult instructions. However, some children do not always understand the rules and boundaries for expected behaviour. n Children are developing their independence skills. They take off their coats and wellingtons and hang them up with little support from staff. Children are supported by staff to understand personal safety, for example, they are encouraged to take some risks when playing in the outdoor area. This helps

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need to do better?

children to build their confidence. n Parents speak highly of the staff who have supported their children's development since the Covid-19 pandemic. They receive activities and work to do at home and regular updates on their child's progress. Parent meetings ensure that they are up to date with children's next steps. Therefore, there is a strong two-way flow of communication to ensure that children's individual needs are met.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The playgroup is located in church grounds. Car park gates, entrances and exits are locked, this ensures children are kept safe and secure. Staff access regular training to update their knowledge on keeping children safe. They know the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and what to do if they are concerned a child is at risk of harm. Staff understand whistleblowing procedures and how to report concerns. A robust recruitment procedure ensures proper vetting to ensure adults are suitable to work with children.

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should:

n model correct language consistently across all areas of practice n use appropriate strategies to support children's understanding of the rules and boundaries for expected behaviours n offer children appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2538723 Local authority Bolton Inspection number 10233423 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 30 Name of registered person Baxter, Debra

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reference number

Telephone number 01204 303325 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

St Andrews Playgroup registered in 2019 and is located in Bolton. The playgroup employs four members of staff, who all hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 9am until midday, with the exception of Tuesday when an additional session runs from midday to 3pm.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the staff and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took into account their views. n The experiences for children were tracked during the inspection. n The manager and inspector completed a joint observation.

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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

25 May 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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