Syderstone Happy Faces Playgroup

Inspection of Syderstone Happy Faces Playgroup Blenheim Park Primary School, Lancaster Road, Sculthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 7PX

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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

Staff create a nurturing and caring environment at this small, rural playgroup. An inclusive, family atmosphere helps children feel safe and secure. As a result, children settle very quickly and are eager to attend. Children develop wonderful, trusting relationships with staff, who know them very well and show children frequent affection. Children beam with delight as staff call them 'sugarplum' and 'sweetheart'. Staff's positive interactions help to enhance children's knowledge and skills as they play. For example, children enjoy planting and watering flowers. Staff ask, 'What do plants need to help them grow?'

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The provision is good

Children are engaged and motivated in activities of their choosing. They show good attitudes to learning and develop lovely friendships as they play. Older children notice their friends arriving and are quick to greet them. They ask, 'Shall we play chase?'. Children read books together and use their imagination playing with dolls and prams. Staff give praise as children share and play together. This helps build on children's self-esteem. Staff empower children to try new experiences, such as using tweezers and pretend fishing rods. They give clear instructions and step back to allow children time to practise. This helps children develop resilience and become successful at learning new skills.

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need to do better?

n Staff identify what they want children to learn. They link activities and resources to children's specific learning needs and interests. Staff make ongoing evaluations of the curriculum and children's progress to ensure gaps are swiftly identified and support is put in place. As a result, children make good progress. n Staff provide children with a range of resources to help develop children's fine motor skills. Children benefit from focused activities to strengthen their writing and mark-making skills. They write letters of the alphabet and draw pictures using lines and circles. Children show increasing precision and control in their mark making and are proud of the end result. n Staff place a high priority on children's physical development. Well-considered outdoor spaces allow children to develop their stamina and core strength. Children thoroughly enjoy spending time outside, which contributes positively to

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need to do better?

their well-being. Children run around, pedal tricycles and set up their own obstacle courses. Toddlers fill up containers with water. They become fascinated with pouring water and making water wheels move. n Children are independent and take pride in being able to do things for themselves. They manage their own self-care and undertake small tasks such as pouring drinks and opening lunch boxes. Staff encourage children to become self-sufficient. For example, they ask children to find their own named tray to store art work. Children are well-prepared for school life.

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need to do better?

20 June 2024 n Children's communication and language development is a prime focus. Staff narrate children's play and ask questions to encourage social conversation. They use screening tools and interventions to help accelerate children's progress. For example, staff play games, such as 'Pass the teddy', to boost children's listening and language skills. n Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. They reinforce 'golden rules' as soon as children arrive and give gentle reminders throughout the day. Staff praise children's efforts. They say, 'Good sharing' and 'Good tidying'. This helps children understand what is expected of them. As a result, children are respectful and follow instructions well. n The manager works closely with her staff team to drive forward improvement. She constantly observes the quality of teaching delivered and empowers staff to evaluate their own practice. Staff benefit from frequent training and show a real

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need to do better?

enthusiasm for their roles. The manager has a high regard for staff's workload and well-being. As a result, staff feel valued, appreciated and well-supported. n Partnerships with parents are strong. They say their children are thriving and have close relationships with staff. Parents appreciate the regular communication they receive regarding their children's learning and progress. They say choosing the playgroup was the 'right decision' and they would fully recommend it to others. n Children know the routines of the playgroup. However, some transition times are not managed effectively. For example, some children become unsettled and lose focus as they adjust from outdoor play to indoor group times.

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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 strengthen the organisation of routine transition times so that children remain fully engaged and can build on their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 254305 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10344413 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 26 Number of children on roll 20

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Name of registered person

Syderstone Happy Faces Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07940 990592 Date of previous inspection 28 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Syderstone Happy Faces Playgroup registered in 1994 and is located in Sculthorpe, Fakenham. The playgroup employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 4, two at level 3 and one at level 2. The playgroup is open from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 9am to 1pm. 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 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 playgroup. n The manager and the inspector had a learning walk together of all areas of the playgroup and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation together. n Staff and children spoke to the inspector at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their opinions. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the playgroup.

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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

20 June 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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