The Riverside Playgroup

Inspection of The Riverside Playgroup York House, Richmond Road, TWICKENHAM TW1 3AA

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 incredibly warm and friendly. They create a calm environment that helps children to develop a positive attitude towards their learning. Children are happy and emotionally settled. They enjoy plenty of cuddles and conversations with staff. Staff also teach children how to play safely. For example, they remind children to walk carefully down the ramp to prevent accidents. Children demonstrate how to walk 'nicely' as they enter the outdoor area. Staff act as good role models. Children show good behaviours, such as using 'please' and 'thank you' without needing reminders.

p.2

The provision is good

The managers have high expectations for children's learning. They design an ambitious curriculum that staff understand and implement effectively. This positive approach benefits all children. Staff use creative teaching strategies, such as digital devices, to help children to recognise familiar sounds. This sparks children's listening and language skills. Staff also motivate children to listen and respond to stories and songs. Children enjoy sharing their views and copying actions. Staff ensure that children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children develop good physical skills through activities, such as running and balancing on equipment.

p.2

need to do better?

n The long-serving managers continue to provide children with high-quality care and education. They collaborate closely with staff to evaluate their practices, focusing on enhancing children's skills. For instance, after reviewing their curriculum, the managers have decided to incorporate more painting and sensory activities. This change has fostered children's creativity and imaginations. n Staff develop strong partnerships with parents and carers. Since the last inspection, they have enhanced the sharing of information regarding each child's progress. Parents agree with this development and unanimously feel that staff consistently act in the best interests of their children. They especially commend staff for fostering a homely and nurturing environment. This has greatly benefited children with limited speech or who struggle to manage their behaviour. As a result, all children make significant progress from their starting

p.2

need to do better?

points in development. n Staff plan and sequence the curriculum to help children to gain the knowledge and skills they need for their future education. This is particularly evident when children demonstrate their previous learning, such as the life cycle of butterflies. They recall words such as 'metamorphosis', 'cocoon' and 'pollen' and demonstrate an understanding of their meanings. Children develop a wide range of vocabulary. Staff prepare children well for school, ensuring that they become

p.2

need to do better?

3 July 2025 independent and confident speakers. n Staff observe and assess children's learning rigorously. When they identify potential concerns in a child's education, they take prompt action. This makes a significant difference in children's development, such as in their language and literacy skills. They also collaborate effectively with other professionals, ensuring a consistent approach to children's well-being and learning. n Staff generally arrange some outings for children to help them explore the local community. However, they have not entirely focused on ways to enhance children's awareness of their surroundings. As a result, children have fewer opportunities to extend their learning beyond the setting and enrich their experiences. n Overall, staff manage the daily routines effectively. However, sometimes they do not fully prepare children for changes in activities, which can lead to difficulties

p.2

need to do better?

in transitioning. As a result, children are not always ready to stop their current activities. This disrupts the flow between different routines and activities. n Staff engage children in learning how to care for plants. They remind children about the importance of watering the plants regularly to help them grow. Children enjoy digging for potatoes and comparing the sizes of the potatoes they uncover. This helps to give children a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature. It also promotes children's early mathematical skills. n Staff report receiving strong support and guidance from their managers. This is particularly helpful for new or less-experienced staff members. Additionally, staff have opportunities to pursue higher qualifications, which have enhanced their knowledge of how to manage children's behaviour even more effectively. Children play well with others, sharing and taking turns.

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 reflect on how periods of change throughout the daily routine can be best managed for children to fully support their learning n explore additional opportunities to help children to become aware of communities beyond their own.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 511431 Local authority Richmond Upon Thames Inspection number 10398370 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 30 Number of children on roll 19

p.4

Name of registered person

The Riverside Playgroup (Twickenham) Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0208 744 2459 Date of previous inspection 17 October 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The Riverside Playgroup registered in 1992 and it is located in Richmond Upon Thames. It is open on Monday and Thursday from 9am to 3.35pm, and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 12.05pm, during term time. There are eight staff members, five of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The setting provides government funded childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and explained their curriculum. n Children talked to the inspector about their play and learning. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took their views into account. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors. n The manager observed a planned activity with the inspector and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Several parents spoke with the inspector during the inspection and shared their views on the quality of the provision. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation and assessed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting.

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

3 July 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.

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