Moatfield Playgroup

Inspection of Moatfield Playgroup Scout Hut, Moatfield Recreation Ground, Bournehall Lane, Bushey, Hertfordshire WD23 3JU

p.1

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are full of smiles and excitement as they arrive at the playgroup. Staff greet them warmly, showing they know the children and their families well. Children display positive attitudes to learning as they quickly engage in play with staff or their peers. Children's behaviour is good. They display caring attitudes towards each other. Children show they are making strong friendships with their peers. For example, they eagerly wait for others to arrive and group hugs are shared and enjoyed.

p.2

The provision is good

Children benefit from the ambitious curriculum that the provider puts in place. Staff build on what children already know and can do. Children gain the important skills they need to be independent learners and capable communicators. This helps them to be well prepared for when they start school. Staff use an array of different techniques to help promote children's communication and language development, including sign language. Children are confident to speak to visitors and show a keen interest in what they are doing. They talk about their favourite activities and it is clear that children thoroughly enjoy being at the playgroup.

p.2

need to do better?

n The key-person system is strong, staff know their key children well. They understand what children know and can do and plan clear next steps in learning for each child. Staff use effective assessment and planning systems to help children to learn across all areas. They share termly summary reports with parents to help them to know how to support learning at home. They ensure that learning is sequenced, and this supports children to make good progress. n The special educational needs coordinator, provider and staff are passionate about supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They make prompt referrals to other professionals, where necessary, and work closely to support parents. Small-group sessions are extremely beneficial for children, including those who speak English as an additional language. Staff support them to develop their concentration, understand directions and extend

p.2

need to do better?

their speech and language skills. n Children are developing a love for books and enjoy activities based around favourite stories. They show what they have previously learned, as they recall events and repeated refrains from 'The Three Little Pigs' story. At other times, children freely choose books and sit quietly with their friends. They use the pictures to tell their own stories, showing their developing imaginations. n Parents' comments about the playgroup and staff are highly positive. They state that they feel well informed about their children's development and know how to support their learning at home. Parents state that their children feel safe and that staff know and understand them as individuals.

p.2

need to do better?

8 February 2024 n Children enjoy exploring different materials during creative activities. They are beginning to understand the properties of materials, explaining that some are stronger than others. For example, they talk about bricks making a good house, while straw will blow away too easily. Children are learning how to safely use tools. They explain how to carefully use the tape cutter as the blade is sharp. n Staff promote children's health well. For example, they remind them to wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Children have daily access to large play equipment, either indoors or outside. Children are learning how to balance, understanding that putting their arms out will make them more stable. Staff work hard to ensure that parents understand the importance of providing a healthy packed lunch for children. n The provider has rigorous recruitment procedures in place to help ensure staff

p.2

need to do better?

are suitable to work with children. Staff have many opportunities for ongoing professional development. They talk about how this has a positive impact on their knowledge and understanding of how children learn. The provider holds some informal discussions with staff to review their practice and teaching skills. However, the monitoring of staff practice is not fully embedded to help all staff improve the quality of teaching to the highest level.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n strengthen the monitoring of staff practice to help promote more consistently high-quality teaching.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY376493 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10316819 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 29 Name of registered person Poole, Helen Barbara

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07954 899111 Date of previous inspection 9 May 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Moatfield Playgroup registered in 2008. The playgroup employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The playgroup opens on Monday to Friday, during term time from 9am to 3pm. The playgroup provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the club 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 her evaluations. n The inspector and the provider looked around the playgroup and talked about how the curriculum is planned and implemented. n The inspector observed the quality of education and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. She completed a joint observation with the provider. n The inspector and the provider met to discuss the leadership and management of the playgroup. The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability checks carried out on staff and safeguarding and complaints procedures. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. She also spoke to a number of parents and took account of their views.

p.5

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.5

Inspection activities

8 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.

p.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6