Milldene Playgroup

Inspection of Milldene Playgroup 69a Barbrook Lane, Tiptree, COLCHESTER CO5 0JH

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 happy and enjoy their time in the setting. They make good use of the well-resourced outdoor area, which reflects their interests and learning needs. Children are curious and develop positive attitudes towards their learning. For example, children keenly share their knowledge about dinosaurs and staff engage in conversation with them about their different features.

p.2

The provision is good

Leaders have developed a clear curriculum for all children, which is shared effectively with all staff. This enables staff to shape their teaching and plan fun and interesting activities that help children towards specific targets in their play. For instance, staff encourage children to join in with games, such as 'What's the time Mr Wolf?', to build on children's participation in group activities.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. Staff are calm role models and provide a consistent approach to supporting children's positive behaviour. Most children are familiar with the routines of the day and know what is expected of them. They listen and respond to staff's instructions. For example, when staff ring a bell and ask children to tidy up, children are quick to respond. Children demonstrate positive relationships with staff, who are affectionate with children and provide them with cuddles and reassurance. This helps to boost children's sense of security, and helps them to form close relationships with their key person.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider has notified Ofsted of an incident where there were breaches of the statutory requirements. The notification means that the provider met their legal responsibility set out in the 'Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage' to notify Ofsted of significant events. The provider has reviewed this incident and promptly taken steps to improve the security of the premises to reduce the risk of children being able to leave the premises unsupervised. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those in receipt of additional funding are well supported. Staff work closely with outside professionals to ensure that children have appropriate support in place. Leaders ensure that additional funding the setting receives is used to meet individual needs and enhance outcomes for children effectively. As a result, children make good progress from their starting points.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff support children's communication and language skills well. They model clear language and repeat words back to children. Staff use Makaton sign language to support the development of spoken language for those children who need additional support. Children enjoy regular stories and song times and look at books independently. High-quality back-and-forth interactions help children learn to converse confidently. For instance, when making play dough pizzas, staff

p.2

need to do better?

24 September 2024 encourage children to share their experiences of visiting restaurants. n Leaders plan a settling-in procedure for new children when they first start at the setting. They gather detailed information from parents to help them get to know the children well. Leaders provide a visual timetable to help children learn the structure of the day and provide an understanding of what comes next. However, staff do not consistently use this approach, which sometimes makes it challenging for new children to settle at times during the day. n Staff spend time teaching children about good hygiene routines. They provide activities to help children learn about the importance of brushing their teeth. Children talk about their routines at home and what times of the day they brush their teeth. Staff support children to take responsibility for managing their personal hygiene. For example, they provide a snuffle station for children to

p.2

need to do better?

independently wipe their nose and explain how to prevent the spread of germs when coughing. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents are extremely pleased with the progress their children make in the setting. They feel well informed about what their children are learning and have a clear idea of how they can support their children at home. Parents say that any questions or queries are answered swiftly and comprehensively. n Staff report feeling well supported and part of a strong team. Leaders regularly observe their teaching practice and provide helpful feedback. Staff attend training courses to enhance their professional development. They provide feedback from their training to the team and implement changes to enhance practice. Furthermore, they share new knowledge and ideas with parents to further improve outcomes for children.

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 support staff to use planned strategies to help children understand the structure and routines of the day to help them feel secure.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY224523 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10359228 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person Tiptree Pre School Playgroup Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01621 816402 Date of previous inspection 9 January 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Milldene Playgroup registered in 2002. The playgroup employs 11 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 5 and nine hold qualifications at level 3. The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 8.40am until 3pm.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The deputy manager, manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. 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 spoke to several parents during the inspection 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

24 September 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