Playhouse Pre-school Broadwater

Inspection of Playhouse Pre-school Broadwater Long Meadow Primary School, Oaks Cross, STEVENAGE, Hertfordshire SG2 8LT

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are happy and eager to learn when they arrive at the setting. They are confident to explore the wide range of activities in this stimulating environment. Children settle quickly and happily play alongside their friends. They are developing firm attachments with staff, who are patient, kind and caring in their approach.

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The provision is good

Children of all ages enjoy being active. They benefit from plenty of fresh air as they develop and practise their physical skills while exploring the well-resourced outdoor areas and activities. Children have lots of fun as they learn how to make bubbles. They patiently wait for their turn, show each other how to hold the bubble maker and are delighted with each other's efforts. Younger children learn the meaning of new words, such as 'shake' and 'swing', as they persevere with their bubble making. Children are inquisitive and learn about nature as they search the garden area for different plants, insects and bugs. They talk about the similarities and differences, comparing size and how various things move.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They know the routines and what is expected of them. Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour and remind them during circle time each morning about being kind and considerate to others.

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need to do better?

n Managers and staff provide and develop a broad and balanced curriculum that follows and reflects children's interests, developing skills for their move to school. Staff know the children they care for very well. They understand what children like to do and play with. Using children's interests, staff plan activities that help to stimulate and motivate their learning as they enjoy their self-chosen play. n Staff encourage children to develop a love of reading and are enthusiastic storytellers. Children take an active part in stories, recognising and counting the food to give to 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. They giggle and laugh as they join in. Staff take every opportunity to develop children's vocabulary. A library book system enables children to take a book home to share with their family. This further supports children's literacy skills. n Children's mathematical development is skilfully woven throughout all aspects of

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need to do better?

their play. Younger children quickly learn to count and subtract as they sing along to 'The monkeys jumping on the bed'. Children are introduced to a range of mathematical vocabulary, including size, volume and length. They eagerly anticipate and calculate the number of jugs needed to make water flow down the outdoor drainpipe activity. Older children learn to problem-solve when building their floating rafts as they decide which length of string is better to hold their raft together. They increase their communication and language skills as

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need to do better?

16 June 2022 they chatter and help each other with the activity, talking about what they are doing and how. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff work consistently with families and other agencies to ensure that early help is in place. They also ensure that when the time comes for the children to move on, all groups of children know what to expect and any additional support or resources required are communicated well to the receiving staff. n Staff promote children's independence, well-being and healthy living. Children find their coat pegs and hang up their bags and coats when they arrive. They enjoy selecting their own resources, such as art and craft materials, and make choices about what they play with. They willingly help to tidy away and wash their hands in preparation for snack time. Older children butter their biscuits, cut the fruit and pour their own drinks at snack time. However, younger children do

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need to do better?

not have the opportunity to do this as they are handed their prepared food and drink. n Overall, parents spoken to are very happy with the setting and comment on how well their children are progressing and improving in their learning. They appreciate the detailed electronic communication shared with them about their child's development and other information to keep them up to date. However, some parents occasionally comment that they have not been provided with sufficient detail about situations that have arisen and how these have been managed. n The manager supports staff effectively through regular supervision meetings and observations of their practice. Staff are able to access online training and are encouraged to reflect on their practice, which enhances their knowledge and supports children's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The provider understands and knows to inform Ofsted of significant events and recently took swift and decisive action to ensure that children do not leave the premises unsupervised. The manager and her staff team demonstrate a secure understanding of the procedures to follow in order to keep children safe from harm. They confidently describe the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. Staff regularly update and refresh their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, including wider issues, such as extreme beliefs.

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should:

n enhance the opportunities for children to increase their independence skills

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should:

16 June 2022 n strengthen communication and information-sharing with parents.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY381778 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10245250 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 44 Number of children on roll 58 Name of registered person King, Joanne

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reference number

Telephone number 07875259692 Date of previous inspection 9 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Playhouse Pre-school Broadwater registered in 2008. The pre-school employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2, including one with early years professional status. The pre- school opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are for three hours between 9am and 3.30pm. A lunch club operates from midday to 12.30pm each day. The pre-school 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 setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. 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 inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the manager. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke to several parents and took account of their views.

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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

16 June 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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