St. Albans Playgroup

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents

This provision is good • Staff accurately monitor and assess children's learning to identify what they need to learn next, consequently all children make good progress from their individual starting points. • The manager ensures children benefit from a strong key-person system. Settling-in processes at the start and at the beginning of the day are highly effective.

Children quickly feel secure and develop a sense of belonging. They form strong attachments with staff and their peers. • Children are happy.

Staff praise children often and recognise their efforts and achievements. This helps to raise children's confidence and sense of self-esteem. • Partnerships with parents... are strong.

Parents attend stay-and-play sessions and receive regular updates about their child's development. Parents speak highly of the staff team and value the advice that staff offer to help them to continue learning at home. • The manager leads by example and manages a strong and dedicated staff team.

Together, they evaluate the provision well and gather and involve parents to help to drive improvements. • Staff have not fully considered ways to extend and challenge older children to further develop their learning and problem-solving skills. • Staff miss opportunities to interact with younger children, to ensure they are fully engaged and immersed in learning as much as possible.