Kingswinford Methodist Church Playgroup

Inspection of Kingswinford Methodist Church Playgroup Kingswinford Methodist Church, Stream Road, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 9NP

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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 arrive with a smile and are warmly welcomed into playgroup by the enthusiastic team. They happily join their friends and key person to begin their morning activities. Children develop positive relationships with all the playgroup staff. This helps them to settle well and feel safe. Staff are positive role models. They teach children about kindness and respect and promote a calm ethos throughout the playgroup. This supports children to learn about feelings and care for others. Children demonstrate a good understanding of turn-taking as they wait patiently for their turn to explore shape and space with puzzles.

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The provision is good

Children's health, well-being and physical development are promoted throughout the playgroup. They are confident to go to an adult if they need any reassurance, or to celebrate an achievement. Children develop their balance and core strength as they navigate their way around the beams. Outdoors, children dig and build castles cooperatively in the sand. They practise climbing up to the top of the slide and meet their friends at the bottom. Children use magnifying glasses to search for minibeasts under logs and among leaves. They engage in conversations with staff about what they have found and learn the name and characteristics of a woodlouse.

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need to do better?

n Children develop curiosity about the world around them and broaden their knowledge through the experiences the curriculum offers them. For instance, children explore fire engines when they visit the playgroup. Staff offer a variety of activities and discussion to enhance their understanding of the role of firefighters. This helps to broaden children's vocabulary, which they begin to use in their everyday language. Children take part in activities and events that teach them about people in their community, such as visiting the local care home to share stories. n The playgroup team closely monitor children's learning and development through regular observations and conversations with parents. They know children well and identify next steps to help children make progress. However, planning for children's next steps is not always refined enough to stretch and challenge them even further with their learning and development.

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need to do better?

n Mealtimes at this playgroup offer children opportunities to develop their independence. At snack time, they make choices from an array or fresh fruits. Children use tongs to collect their food and transfer it onto their plates, before carrying it to their tables. They practise pouring water or milk into their cups, with encouragement and praise from the attentive team. n Children settle well and follow the routines at playgroup. Staff take time to get to know each child and family before they start and build up an initial

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need to do better?

6 June 2025 assessment of children's development. When it is identified that a child is not making expected progress, leaders take swift action. They work with parents and other agencies to assess their needs and plan appropriate strategies. As a result, all children attending this setting make good progress from their starting points. n Children benefit from positive communication between the playgroup and other childcare providers that they attend. Staff share appropriate information about children's development, so that all agencies are aware of their emerging needs. The special educational needs coordinator creates plans that link to children's individual speech and language targets. n Staff and managers are committed to building strong and supportive relationships with parents. They acknowledge the importance of consistent communication about children and their evolving needs. As a result, parents

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need to do better?

speak very highly of the team and their commitment to maintaining a positive partnership, where communication is key. They feel reassured that their children are safe and that they flourish in the care of the nurturing playgroup team. n Leaders and managers are passionate about offering a unique learning experience for children. They work closely with the management committee to plan appropriate improvements to the already good service that they offer. Playgroup leaders ensure that the whole team receive quality professional development opportunities that enhance their understanding of children's growth and development. There are robust systems in place to monitor the suitability of those involved with the playgroup and to maintain children's safety.

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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 build on the planning and use of children's next steps in learning to stretch and challenge children even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 253911 Local authority Dudley Inspection number 10393368 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 36 Number of children on roll 28

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Name of registered person

Kingswinford Methodist Church Playgroup Management Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01384 358397 Date of previous inspection 11 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Kingswinford Methodist Church Playgroup registered in 1980. It is situated in Kingswinford, West Midlands and is run by a management committee. The playgroup opens on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 9.15am to 11.45am. The playgroup employs nine members of childcare staff. Of these, seven hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 and one at level 4. The playgroup provides funded early education for eligible children.

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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 nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. 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 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, manager and the deputy manager carried out a joint observation of a communication and language activity. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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

6 June 2025 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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