Grove Park Playgroup Again Receives Ofsted Praise

Happy, fun, stimulating, safe, calm – all in the latest playgroup report

The Grove Park Playgroup was delighted with its latest Ofsted Inspection Report. The playgroup achieved consistently good results since the first report in 2003.

The most recent report stated “the playgroup provides a warm and safe environment… children make good progress in their learning… staff have an in-depth understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements.”

The report praised the focus on each child as an individual: “The key person system offers children the necessary support they need to help them feel safe and secure, making their experience at the group a happy one.” “[each child’s] unique learning journey is identified by the key person and incorporated into the weekly play plans.” “children’s independence is well promoted” “children develop good skills for the future”.

The report also highlighted the good relationship with parents. The playgroup is managed by a voluntary committee of parents of children attending the playgroup and the parents can have direct input into the playgroup management, the report noted: “The playgroup establishes effective partnerships with parents. Staff are welcoming and friendly to parents.”

The Ofsted report commented on the unique outdoor area enjoyed by the playgroup children: “It is mature with many trees and bushes, consequently, children have the opportunity to observe the changing seasons as they run around, climb and generally benefit from the physical exercise...the garden is also a calm and relaxing place for children.”

Heather Thompson, Chairperson of the Playgroup said “I am so impressed with our staff, the inspection was on the second week of term with no warning so the inspectors had no special treatment and witnessed a normal carefully planned session. The staff were already thoroughly prepared for the new term. They had been working hard at settling the new children who were also a credit to the playgroup. I thank staff and parents, past and present, for their work in making this a lovely playgroup.”

The Playgroup, which has been operating for 16 years, is a member of the Early Learning Partnership enabling parents to receive Government funding for 3 and 4 year olds.

Playgroup operates from Monday to Friday term time only between the hours of 09:15 to 12:15 and takes children from the age of 2 ½. Four of the staff are qualified to NVQ2 level or above (the fifth staff member is preparing for NVQ2).

Grove Park Playgroup also runs a Bumps and Baby Group in conjunction with the local branch of the National Childbirth Trust on Tuesday mornings and a Toddler Group on Tuesday afternoons.

November 10, 2009