First Steps Community Playgroup

Inspection of First Steps Community Playgroup C/O Stoke Hill First School, Stoke Hill, Exeter, Devon EX4 7DB

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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

From the moment the children enter the playgroup, staff greet them warmly. Staff share relevant information with parents about their children's well-being at the start of the day. Strong bonds between children and their key person help children to feel safe, happy and settled. Staff model respectful and caring behaviour. Children behave well and play cooperatively with one another. Staff encourage them to share toys and take turns.

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The provision is good

The curriculum is designed well to incorporate children's interests and what they need to learn next to prepare them for school. Staff plan the provision carefully and consider the skills and knowledge they are developing with the children.

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The provision is good

Staff regularly review and adapt the curriculum themes to maintain children's interest and motivation. The curriculum provides rich learning experiences, inside and outdoors, that promote sustained engagement and skill development. For example, children develop fine motor skills over time through a range of purposeful activities.

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The provision is good

The curriculum supports children's communication and language development across all ages and backgrounds. Staff introduce new vocabulary and encourage children to express their feelings and ideas. Older children confidently talk to staff about their upcoming move to school.

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need to do better?

n The manager has an ambitious vision for the curriculum. She is clear on the strengths and development areas and has the support of staff and the committee to make positive changes that will benefit the children. For example, she is reviewing the outside provision to further create opportunities for a broad and balanced curriculum. n Staff know the children well. Children show positive attitudes towards learning and develop curiosity, concentration and enjoyment. Staff identify what children already know and can do, and ensure disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities have full access to the curriculum. n Communication and language are at the heart of curriculum. Staff engage children in conversation as they play, introducing new vocabulary and encouraging discussion. However, questioning is not always used precisely enough to extend children's thinking or to identify misconceptions quickly.

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need to do better?

n Staff build positive partnerships with parents and communicate with them regularly. They share daily information about children's experiences, helping parents to support learning at home. Parents value the support offered when children start at the setting and are pleased with their progress. They describe

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need to do better?

25 June 2025 the setting as 'a home from home'. n Staff support children to be physically active throughout the day. Children enjoy exploring the school playground on bikes, developing balance, coordination and an awareness of road safety. They show control in both fine and gross motor movements. For example, staff use the 'Big Brush Club' to help children develop independence in brushing their teeth and support their understanding of oral hygiene. n Children listen attentively to familiar stories, rhymes and songs that are matched to their age and stage of development. This supports their early phonics knowledge and helps to develop a love of reading.

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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 improve the precision of staff questioning to identify misconceptions and provide clear explanations that strengthen children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 105976 Local authority Devon Inspection number 10399048 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 Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 33 Number of children on roll 33 Name of registered person First Steps Community Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01392 251 885 Date of previous inspection 19 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

First Steps Community Playgroup registered in 2000. It operates from the grounds of Stoke Hill Infant School in Exeter. The playgroup is open from 9am to 3pm, weekdays during term time only. It offers wraparound care for school-age children from 7.30am to 9am and from 3pm to 6pm. A holiday club runs from 8am to 5pm. There are eight members of staff working regularly with children. Of these, one holds an early years qualification at level 6, and seven hold qualifications at level 3. The playgroup receives government funding for early years education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The leadership team and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the playgroup and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to 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 carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the playgroup.

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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

25 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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