Bridge Village Playgroup

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children are eager to learn from the first moment they arrive. They are bursting with curiosity to see what activities and learning opportunities have been planned for them, and they settle quickly into their favourite things to do. For example, once coats have been hung up, they settle to play with the dinosaurs 'stomping and roaring in the crunchy rice'. Staff are always nearby, encouraging and supporting children to develop new skills and provide support whenever needed. This results in a bubbly and lively environment where all children flourish.

Children have strong bonds with their key persons and benefit from staff that are attuned to their needs and act as positive role models. This helps children to understand the high expectations for their behaviour and prepares them well for future learning. Children are kind and considerate of others and have formed fantastic friendships with their peers. When playing games, children know which of their friends have not had a turn yet and encourage them to have a go. When helping at snack time, older children set the table and support the younger children in following the routines. This results in a harmonious snack time for all children. During morning registration, children laugh and giggle together as they say 'good morning' in different voices.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

• The manager and staff team design and deliver an extremely well-thought-out curriculum that builds on what children already know and what they need to learn to be successful. As a result, children make exceptionally good progress in their learning. All staff have an excellent understanding of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children's personal and social development. They place a high priority on supporting turn-taking and building friendships. For example, children pass spoons to their friends when making play dough so that everyone gets a turn.
• Communication and language are strengths of the nursery. Staff provide a communication-rich environment and help children to widen their vocabulary and learn new words. For example, children are confident to talk about the 'blurb' on the back of the story they share together and describe the moon dough as 'big as a meteor'. Younger children can talk about their paintings, adding meaning by saying, 'this is my mum's car and it is orange'.
• Mathematical language can be heard throughout the playgroup. Children skilfully count down from five as they wait for the sand timer to end so it is their turn on the red bicycle. Other children can be heard counting the scoops of rice needed to fill a container to the top. Children are confidently using their mathematical knowledge during other activities.
• Children demonstrate high levels of engagement, concentration and listening during song time. The children join in with enthusiasm and proudly demonstrate the new skills they have learned to their friends. For example, children hop round the circle or clap out the syllables in their name. Staff skilfully support quieter children to join in with the actions.
• Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is outstanding. The manager and staff team are meticulous in providing detailed reports and regularly liaise with parents and external agencies who may be involved with children's care. This approach ensures that children make the very best progress regardless of their starting point.
• Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Effective communication supports these relationships very well. Staff's awareness of the village community enables them to provide information to parents about events that are happening to introduce new experiences to their children. Social events take place during the year, enabling parents, staff and children to spend time together. For example, families are looking forward to an Easter-themed activity morning.
• Children gain an excellent understanding of why it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle. They are encouraged to drink after an active music session to rehydrate themselves. Children learn how to care for their teeth properly and practise routines using a large set of pretend teeth and brushes. Older children learn to use the bathroom independently, and younger children's care needs are successfully met throughout the day. Staff and parents work together to support children to reach milestones, such as toilet training.
• The manager and staff go above and beyond to ensure that children who have medical needs or allergies and intolerances are well catered for. Staff ensure that all children can still access the activities provided. For example, staff change play dough daily to reduce the risk of infection and maintain extremely high levels of cleanliness throughout the setting.
• Leadership within the playgroup is exceptionally strong. Committee members are passionate about the playgroup and eagerly share information about the opportunities they provide for children and their families. Rigorous recruitment procedures ensure that staff are safe and suitable to care for children. The manager implements effective strategies, such as supervision and staff meetings, to ensure they are meeting the needs of all children and planning an exciting curriculum. She has a clear and precise vision for the playgroup and strives for excellence throughout.