AN inspector has praised a playgroup’s clear vision for learning and “language-rich environment”.
Education regulator Ofsted visited Pucklechurch Playgroup, at the community centre in Abson Road, in July.
Inspector Charlotte Jenkin said the playgroup, which has 27 children aged two to four on its roll, is ‘good’ in all areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
She praised the children’s “very good” behaviour, its friendly, welcoming staff and the leadership of manager Georgina Wynter.
The inspector said: “The manager has a clear vision for the curriculum and what skills and knowledge she wants the children to gain so they are ready for school.
“She carefully checks children’s progress and promptly identifies where children are at risk of falling behind.
“All children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, make good progress from their variable starting points.”
The inspector said Georgina worked closely with parents to identify any delays in children’s development and find outside advice and support where needed.
She added: “The manager is very mindful of her staff’s well-being, and they report that they feel well supported by her.”
Work to ensure children can speak confidently and develop their language was highlighted.
The inspector said: “Children play and learn in a language-rich environment. Staff engage the children in lots of conversations, and they listen to and respect one another’s voices.”
Children have regular opportunities to play and develop physical skills indoors at the playgroup, with a range of equipment for climbing, balancing and throwing, and space to play.
To improve further the inspector recommended that children are given more opportunities to play outdoors.
Parents reported that communication with staff was good and they felt welcome.
The inspector said: “Partnerships with parents are very positive. They say that they are very pleased with the progress their children have made since attending playgroup and that they have developed confidence and are ready for school.”
It was Ofsted’s first visit to the playgroup, which was founded in 1980 and is run by a volunteer committee, for more than five years.
Georgina said: “The inspector was very positive and easy to talk to and gave my practitioners plenty of time to answer the questions that she had asked.
“I have been part of lots of inspections in my 36 years of working with children, and the whole process was very constructive. Once the inspection was over she gave very positive feedback, and this is reflected in the report.”