Invicta Park Playgroup

Inspection of Invicta Park Playgroup 36 Engineer Regiment, Invicta Park, Sandling Road, MAIDSTONE, Kent ME14 2NA

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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 enjoy playing and learning in the carefully planned environment. Staff greet children warmly with a smile at this unique setting that offers a strong community feel. Children are excited to arrive and quickly engage in the stimulating activities available to them. Children are confident to explore the environment and are able to access resources placed at their level. Children have built strong relationships with staff and enjoy sharing experiences with them. For example, children model to staff how to do a Nepalese dance, while dressed in saris. This gives children a strong sense of belonging and shows an inclusive approach to practice.

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The provision is good

Children behave well and staff act as positive role models. They show high levels of independence. For example, they wash their hands when prompted by staff and collect water from the sink to take into the garden to extend their play. Children show determination to do things for themselves. For instance, they persevere to build a bridge using crates, which they then use to walk over. Children are given meaningful opportunities to learn about the cultures, faiths and religions of their peers. For example, they recently took part in activities to learn about Tihar.

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need to do better?

n The provider is very passionate and has developed an ambitious curriculum that is understood by all staff. Children show high levels of engagement with the meaningful and well-planned activities provided. Staff are effective in developing children's skills further, particularly their communication and language. For example, staff have learned key words in other languages to support children. This allows children to feel included and have a sense of belonging. Staff are skilled in adapting their language and interactions based on children's stages of development. For instance, they use visual aids and props during group times to include those children who require additional support with their early language skills. n Children are familiar with the well-embedded routine. However, on occasion, staff follow routines more rigidly, particularly regarding outdoor play. At these times, children who prefer to play indoors become less engaged, which has an

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need to do better?

impact on their enjoyment and learning. n All staff have a clear understanding of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They work closely with outside agencies, using relevant interventions to further the support offered to children. This allows those children requiring extra support to further their skills and knowledge. Staff regularly review children's targets and share this information with parents. All children are making good levels of progress from their starting points. The provider uses additional funding well to enhance the environment

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need to do better?

7 November 2024 and experiences offered to children. For example, they have purchased resources to help children regulate their emotions. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Staff regularly share information with parents verbally and through written communication. The settling-in procedures are robust. For example, before children start, home visits take place. This ensures that all information regarding children's individual needs are shared. Parents are provided with ongoing support from the setting to work on children's next steps in learning. n The provider is very supportive to staff on both a personal and professional level. Staff are given lots of opportunities to continue their professional development through new training. For example, some staff have recently attended training to further their knowledge in enhancing children's mathematical skills. This has allowed children to explore mathematics in a more

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need to do better?

engaging way. n Staff promote children's physical development well. For example, they have recognised the need for and worked hard to provide writing materials throughout the setting that children can freely access. This allows children to practise and further develop their fine motor skills.

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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 daily routines to support children effectively to make choices about where they would like to play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 127276 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10363883 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 50 Number of children on roll 25 Name of registered person Invicta Park Pre-School Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01622 767341 or 767240 Date of previous inspection 15 January 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Invicta Park Playgroup registered in 1996 and operates from a building on an army barracks site in Maidstone, Kent. The playgroup only serves the Armed Forces community. The playgroup opens during term time only. Sessions are from 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Friday. The playgroup employs nine members of childcare staff. The manager holds an appropriate level 4 early years qualification, and four other staff hold early years qualifications at level 2 or above.

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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 Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. 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 has had on children's learning. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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

7 November 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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