Thornton Hough Playgroup

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents

This provision is good • The manager monitors all children's development closely. She uses the information gathered to identify gaps in children's learning.

Staff focus on children's next steps to help them make good progress. • The manager is keen to continue to raise the quality of the good practice. She seeks the views of parents, children and other professionals to help her evaluate all areas of the provision.

For example, following feedback from parents, she has displayed an additional information board for parents in the entrance hall. • Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They consistently reinforce rules, such as using good manners.

St...aff use a range of strategies to promote positive behaviour. For example, they help children learn how to negotiate ways of sharing popular toys. • Children have good opportunities to develop their early mathematical skills.

For example, they excitedly find dinosaurs buried in the sand and discuss who has found the 'smallest' and 'tallest' one. Younger children count the number of children present at circle time. They begin to recognise some numbers.

• Since the last inspection, the manager has refined systems for monitoring staff performance. She holds regular supervision meetings and provides good opportunities for staff to continue their professional development. Staff use the knowledge gained to enhance children's learning and development.

For example, following recent training, they have introduced additional resources to support children's language development. • Staff do not consistently gather sufficient information from parents when children first start, to fully support initial assessments. • On occasions, planned activities do not meet the learning needs of all children involved.