Merryfields Playschool

Inspection of Merryfields Playschool The Sports Pavillion, Diss Sports Ground, Shelfanger Road, DISS, Norfolk IP22 4DX

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

Staff are nurturing and enthusiastic in their approach. They spend time with children and get to know them when they first start. Leaders ensure that there is an effective key-person system. This helps children to settle quickly and form reassuring bonds with staff. Staff provide a calm environment and support simple routines to create a safe and consistent experience for children. This helps to foster children's confidence and positive behaviour. Staff have high expectations for children. They give children plenty of time to complete tasks for themselves and learn from engaging in riskier play. For example, children quickly gain the skills necessary to climb carefully up the ramp and jump off the end.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff encourage children to freely access the interesting array of resources, inside and outdoors. Consequently, children become immersed in their exploratory play and often work together following the same theme. While there is a strong emphasis on supporting children to lead their own play, staff demonstrate good skills in building on children's ideas. This helps children to widen their knowledge of how things work and how to be resourceful. Staff skilfully incorporate mathematical language into children's play. They encourage children to order pine cones by size and use terms such as 'smallest' and 'largest'.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff thoughtfully plan for children's learning and development, continuously observing and assessing them during play interactions. They use their understanding of each child's abilities and child development to respond effectively in the moment, while also identifying what children need to learn next. This approach allows staff to create opportunities that celebrate children's interests and extend their learning effectively. n Staff nurture children's imaginative play. They join children in their role-play situations, such as pretending to go to the hospital. Staff notice when children are exploring new ideas. For example, they encourage children to consider how they can secure a bandage, before demonstrating how to tie a knot. This helps children to develop new physical skills as they twist the bandage and give it a go for themselves. n Overall, staff support children's developing language and communication skills.

p.2

need to do better?

They narrate children's play and use simple sign language to help children to express their choices. However, where further support is needed for children with speech and language delay, staff are not yet implementing more tailored strategies to help children make the best possible progress. n Children are encouraged to be independent and to take responsibility for tasks, such as cleaning up spillages and helping to prepare the snack. Staff provide authentic resources, such as china mugs and glasses. Children quickly learn how

p.2

need to do better?

27 September 2024 to handle these safely. For example, they intuitively pause their play to check that everyone is safe when the occasional breakage occurs. Visits to a local allotment provide further opportunities for children to learn about staying safe when out and about. n Staff actively keep parents informed about their child's time at the playschool. For example, they share photos of children's activities through an online app. Parents appreciate this communication and are inspired to repeat activities with their children at home. This consistent engagement helps to ensure children experience good continuity in their care, learning and development. n Staff model positive interactions, reinforcing the values of kindness and respect. They teach children valuable skills to help them to play cooperatively. Children learn how to share and take turns, inlcuidng when waiting patiently to fill their cup at the water station. Consequently, they adopt good learning habits for their

p.2

need to do better?

future. n Leaders prioritise effective support, training and continuous professional development for staff. As a result, staff feel supported and appreciate the strong emphasis on their well-being. This commitment fosters a dedicated team that collaborates effectively to bring about improvements to the provision 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 help staff to build on their knowledge and understanding of strategies to support children to make the most progress they can in their communication and language development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY408040 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10354719 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 19 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Merryfields Playschool Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07795593083 Date of previous inspection 2 November 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Merryfields Playschool registered in 2010. The playschool is open Monday to Friday, from 8.45am to 1.45pm, during term time. It employs six members of staff. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The playschool provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector jointly observed and evaluated the morning snack-time routine. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual and manager about the leadership and management of the playschool. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the playschool.

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

27 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