Northway Preschool Playgroup

Inspection of Northway Preschool Playgroup Virginia Road, Northway, Tewkesbury GL20 8PT

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Northway playgroup provides a broad and varied curriculum. The focus is on developing independent, motivated learners who are gaining the key knowledge and skills they need for their future learning. There are well-planned transitions to support children's move on to school. Staff promote children's health, happiness and emotional well-being. Children benefit from an extremely passionate staff team that identify early development concerns. They actively support children's individual needs and work well with a range of professionals to ensure that early intervention is timely. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and children with English as an additional language (EAL), make good progress from their starting points. Staff expect children to always try their best and take part in all the activities available. Children respond extremely well to these high expectations with enthusiasm, determination and perseverance.

p.2

The provision is good

Children respond with delight when they are told that they are 'Superstars'.

p.2

The provision is good

Routines are well known by the children. They are predictable and familiar and help children to feel safe and secure and gain a sense of belonging and self-confidence. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Children share and show consideration and respect for others. They help their friends and are kind and caring. Staff are excellent role models and use positive praise and reinforcement to help children learn best behaviour. Pre-school children tidy up the play dough as a team. Children listen attentively to instructions and line up sensibly, and nursery children learn to cooperate and to take turns to kick the football to each other.

p.2

need to do better?

n Practice is inclusive. Children from different backgrounds and cultures learn and develop in the playgroup's positive and friendly atmosphere. Staff respect every child for being a unique individual, regardless of their ability, background or needs. The playgroup is a well-known community resource and provides wraparound care for children from local schools and activities for the local community. n Staff promote a healthy lifestyle for children of all ages. Nursery children participate in music and movement sessions. They move enthusiastically to action songs and march around the room. Children recognise the impact of a balanced diet and understand how to make healthy choices. They talk about washing away germs when washing their hands. Children choose what they want to eat from a selection of fruit at snack time. n There is a good mix of adult-led activities and those chosen by the children. Children have many opportunities to create, be imaginative and learn on their

p.2

need to do better?

own. Children organise their game of splashing in their boots by the water tray. Children become absorbed in their play. Children actively explore the diggers in

p.2

need to do better?

23 May 2023 the soil, and they discuss bulldozers and driving lorries. Staff are on hand to support, guide and extend activities. n Staff have very strong partnerships with parents. Parents praise staff for the support they offer their children and families. Parents feel well informed through daily discussions about the well-being of children. Parents are extremely happy with the progress their children are making. Regular formal and informal meetings support parental involvement in their children's learning and progress. n Staff know each other very well. They feel supported and that their welfare needs are met. Staff complete mandatory training, as well as training of their individual choosing. However, it is not targeted at the specific individual continual professional development that staff may need, to raise the quality of their teaching to an even higher level. n Skilful interaction by staff enhance activities by challenging and extending

p.2

need to do better?

children's language and learning. Staff involve children in discussions and encourage them to think about what they are doing and what else they can do. Staff are fully engaged as they move around outdoors and offer children some individual attention. They help them find a scoop for the water play, spontaneously sing nursery rhymes, plant seeds and talk about 'dirt' and 'soil'. Staff use regular opportunities to make time with children, learning time. n Circle time is a part of the children's daily routine. It enables children to share their thoughts and ideas, which staff build on. Children also get to practice turn- taking and learn respect for the opinions of others. They listen to stories and sing enjoyable songs and rhymes. This helps children to prepare for school. However, some children are not always actively involved in circle time. They do not fully benefit from this learning experience.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff are aware of their safeguarding roles and responsibilities to protect children and keep them safe from harm. They know exactly what they need to do if they have a concern about a child in their care and would take immediate action to record and pass their concerns on to the experienced designated safeguarding lead. Staff know about the importance of young children staying safe online and using technology in a safe way. All staff hold current paediatric first-aid certificates. There are clear procedures in place if there are concerns about staff practice. Staff track children's attendance effectively and keep in touch with the parents of children who have unplanned absences. Children show how they can keep themselves safe. They are careful, negotiating the busy garden.

p.3

should:

23 May 2023 n develop further the organisation of circle time to enable children to get the most out of the teaching and learning experience n target staff training and professional development opportunities, to focus more precisely on helping all staff to build on their knowledge, understanding and skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 101573 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 10288830 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 48 Number of children on roll 56 Name of registered person Northway Pre-School Playgroup Committee

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 01684 276040 Date of previous inspection 2 November 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Northway Preschool Playgroup registered in 1988 and is run by a voluntary charity. It uses the building previously used by the children's centre on the school site and has close links with the school. The playgroup is open each weekday, during term times, from 9am to 3pm and runs wraparound care between 8am and 6pm. The playgroup receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The playgroup cares for children who have SEND and children with EAL. There are 10 members of staff, of whom, two hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 5, and six hold qualifications at level 2 or 3.

p.5

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 staff and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. 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. She spoke to staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector completed a joint observation of an activity in the pre-school room with the manager. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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

23 May 2023 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