INSPECTORS from education regulator Ofsted found the staff at Eastington Playgroup to be 'warm and friendly' in a recent visit. 

Ofsted inspectors paid the playgroup a visit on Wednesday, April 10, where they deemed it to be good.

It received a good rating in all four categories - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management - as well as overall. 

The playgroup, which has 33 children on roll between the ages of 2-4, also received a good rating in its previous inspection in 2018. 

Inspectors found: "Warm and friendly staff welcome the children and their families into this nurturing playgroup with open arms.

"They prioritise forming strong relationships and getting to know the children in their care.

"Children enter eager to learn.

"Staff celebrate children's achievements and offer them lots of praise, which builds children's confidence and self-esteem.

"They focus on promoting children's personal, social, and emotional development, which prepares them for later life.

"Staff are excellent role models.

Gazette Series: Eastington play group gets good Ofsted rating"They encourage children to use their manners and wait their turn.

"Children develop strong social skills

"The manager and her team have created a well-sequenced curriculum that covers all seven areas of learning."

In order to improve further, inspectors added that the playgroup should 'improve the organisation of planned activities to support children's consistent engagement and participation more effectively. 

It should also 'support staff to reinforce the rules and boundaries of the setting consistently so that children learn to behave in a safe way.'

Playleader Jenny Winfield said: “I am very proud of the staff here. 

“We are a small team of three but work hard to ensure we deliver quality and engaging activities to all children to make their learning and development fun and enjoyable.

“I am delighted with our result and validation from Ofsted that what we do is good, but the fact our parents and children are happy on a daily basis and continue to bring siblings is evidence enough.”

Deputy playleader Donna Dalby said: “I found the inspection much more relaxed than ever before and the Ofsted inspector ensured throughout the day that staff felt happy and their mental health was considered'. 

Play assistant Natalie Bayley said: “I'm very happy with what we have achieved, we are lucky to have such a wonderful setting and families.”

Read the full report  - tinyurl.com/bd5pkm2c