Wrexham playgroup receives ‘glowing’ inspection report

A PLAYGROUP in Wrexham has received a glowing inspection report with just one recommendation for the future.

The education and training inspectorate Estyn, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), the independent regulator of social care and childcare, visited Garden Village Playgroup in June.

A playgroup for children aged two to 12, Early Education is provided for children aged three to four in the mornings.

The report states: “Nearly all children arrive happy, excited and ready to play and learn. They show contentment and happiness and interact positively with practitioners and visitors.

“Most children are confident in expressing their feelings and making effective decisions when choosing resources and activities independently. For example, children choose to play in the outdoor sandpit instead of taking part in a sports activity.

“Children show resilience, motivation and perseverance in their play and learning. Nearly every child responds eagerly to the challenge and support of practitioners.”

On the learning provision for those children aged three to four (not receiving education in a maintained setting), the report stated: “All children make very good progress from their individual starting points. They enjoy their learning and achieve well in their activities.

“Many children’s communication skills are good, and all children are making progress, including those at the earlier stages of development.”

The environment of the playgroup was also praised in the report, which added: “The premises are secure and children benefit from having plenty of space to play, learn and eat.

“The setting has robust systems to ensure children’s safety. Visitors cannot access the setting unless admitted by a practitioner, and all visitors sign in upon arrival and out on departure. Leaders ensure that children are safe and keep healthy by following a range of very clear and comprehensive policies.”

Leadership with regards to planning is the one area in need of improvement according to the reports’ findings.

It states: “There is some awareness of the setting’s strengths and staff take account of the views of practitioners, parents or carers, children, and other stakeholders.

“However, the leadership approach means that not all practitioners understand the key improvement priorities of the setting. Leaders carry out staff supervisions, but this is not always regular and does not link directly to improvement planning.”

But the report adds: “The current practitioners have relevant and appropriate qualifications and experience of working with young children. All staff show a commitment to continuing professional development and attend regular training.”

The one recommendation made to the playgroup for the future is;

Further develop self-evaluation and improvement planning.
The playgroup is to draw up an action plan to show how it is going to address the recommendation. The report can be viewed in full on the Estyn and CIW websites.