Busy Bees Playgroup

Inspection of Busy Bees Playgroup Southwick Methodist Church, Manor Hall Road, Brighton, West Sussex BN42 4NA

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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 demonstrate that they have positive and strong bonds with staff. Staff greet them warmly and children show that they are excited to arrive at the playgroup. Staff provide opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. Children climb steps, ride bicycles and skilfully stack bricks on a pretend construction site. Staff plan well-thought-out activities to enable all children, particularly those who are disadvantaged or who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to take part. Children engage enthusiastically in activities. Staff support children of mixed ages to work together to complete tasks such as collecting and carrying water to a particular activity. Children are told that they must walk 'carefully' and 'slowly' when moving heavy buckets. This helps them to understand how to keep themselves safe.

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The provision is good

Children build good levels of concentration and persist at their chosen activities. For example, they carefully use hooks to pick up large, numbered shells. 'I did it!' they exclaim, which demonstrates a clear sense of achievement. The manager encourages staff to make an effective plan for children's next learning steps. Staff have a clear plan for children's learning, which enables children to gain skills that they will need for future learning.

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need to do better?

n Staff effectively promote positive behaviour. For example, children are taught how to share resources and take turns. They know that they must tidy away toys that they have been playing with and to always use 'kind hands'. As a result, children demonstrate that they understand the rules. They behave well, are polite and show affection for each other. n Staff understand the safeguarding policies and the procedures necessary in order to safeguard children. They receive regular training to update their knowledge. Staff know what to do if they have concerns about a colleague's behaviour towards children. They are aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Staff ensure that children receive care in a safe and secure environment. n Children demonstrate an understanding of the routines. They quickly learn to be independent and manage their own care needs. For example, they open their own lunch packages and proudly show adults how they put on their coats using

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need to do better?

the 'coat flip' technique. Children access the bathroom independently and wash hands without being prompted to do so. n Partnership with parents is strong. Parents comment that communication is good and that staff are attentive and kind to their children. They say that their children cannot wait to arrive at the playgroup and are reluctant to leave. Parents enjoy the daily feedback given about their child's achievements. n Children with SEND, and those who are at risk of falling behind, are well

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need to do better?

1 February 2024 supported by the manager and the staff. Working with parents and other professionals helps staff to tailor the care and learning that is provided for children to meet their individual need. Effective use of additional funding enables children to access high-quality care and learning opportunities throughout their time at the playgroup. n Overall, staff plan activities that are challenging and stimulating for children. However, the organisation of large-group teaching does not always allow for younger or quieter children to contribute their thoughts and ideas. Consequently, during these sessions, learning for these children is not as effective compared to those who are more confident or older. n Children develop a love of books and storytelling. Staff support the literacy curriculum very well. Children delight as skilled staff make stories fully interactive. They wiggle their 'magic finger wands' to cast a spell and squeal with

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need to do better?

excitement in anticipation of the next page. Children access books both inside and outside. They sit in small groups, 'reading' them to each other. As a result, children hear and understand new vocabulary and use this in their self-directed play. n Children's physical development is well supported. Staff consider what learning opportunities would be best to help children to develop the physical skills they will need for future learning. However, staff do not fully support children's understanding of healthy food choices. Consequently, there are some children who do not know that foods high in sugar and salt are detrimental to their health.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n organise group activities more effectively to ensure all children, particularly younger or quieter children, are able to contribute and benefit more fully from the learning opportunities n develop further the arrangements to promote healthy eating and to support children to learn to make healthy choices in relation to food.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 113398 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10317332 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 25 Number of children on roll 38 Name of registered person Busy Bees Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07804 942495 Date of previous inspection 24 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Busy Bees Playgroup registered in 1992. It operates from Southwick Methodist Church in Southwick, West Sussex. The playgroup employs seven members of childcare staff, who hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday during term times. Sessions are from 9am to 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 playgroup 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 of all areas of the playgroup and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with staff and interacted with children. n Parents shared their views about the setting with the inspector.

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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

1 February 2024 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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