Playgroup delighted at good Ofsted rating after disappointment last year

Following a visit by an Ofsted inspector on May 1, the playgroup was praised for its work addressing weaknesses identified in the last inspection and improving the outcome for children.

The new report says staff place a high priority on promoting children’s communication and language skills and carry out regular assessments to identify any children that need additional help,

Partnerships with parents was identified as a key strength of the playgroup , with staff working closely with parents to involve them in all aspects of their children’s learning.

The report said that children are well prepared for school and confident to speak and share their views.

“Older children express themselves particularly well for their age, the report reads.

The playgroup had appealed against last year’s ‘requires improvement’ rating, with manager Lavinia Dzundza saying she didn’t think the inspection report matched staff’s experience on the day Ofsted arrived, but to no avail.

However, Mrs Dzundza said she was delighted the efforts of staff had been recognised in this new report.

“We as a team and a committee are delighted with our most recent Ofsted result of good,” she said.

“We are glad to have had the opportunity to prove to Ofsted and everyone else what our provision offers to the children in our care, the parents and our local community.

“We were left devastated after our last year’s Ofsted graded us as requiring improvement and even though everyone, including ourselves, knew it was not deserved we were even more determined to prove ourselves this time.

“It was a great experience this time round and a very positive one with the inspector Gill Thornton recognising the hard work and our expertise, how the children are cared for and the teaching and learning is good.

“We take great pride in our playgroup and of all the children that attend and what they achieve, and feel happy and confident that this was recognised within the report.”