CHILDREN at Greendown Playgroup are happy, behave exceptionally well, and are very confident according to Ofsted inspectors.

The education watchdog rated the West Swindon provision, in Grange Park Way, as good overall and outstanding in one out of three areas in a report published last month.

Inspectors visited the playgroup, which operates out of the grounds of Lydiard Park Academy every weekday during term time from 8.45am to 2.45pm, on June 29, almost four years after its last inspection.

The playgroup was rated ‘outstanding’ for the contribution of the early years provision to the wellbeing of children and also praised the quality of teaching and leadership.

In the report, inspectors said: “Children receive exceptional support from their key person; especially children learning English as an additional language and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and all children are treated as individuals.

“The children have formed exceptionally strong bonds and attachments with their key person.

The children are very happy, caring towards each other, independent and very confident, as the staff are very strong role models.

“The children are able to take risks and are very aware of their own safety.

“The quality of teaching is good overall. Staff have high expectations of the children and know what they can do. All children are making good progress from their starting points.

“Children enjoy using a wellresourced, stimulating, enclosed outdoor space throughout the day, which supports all areas of their learning and development.

“The manager has a very good understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

“She effectively tracks children’s development, monitors the educational programme and staff ’s practice, and reviews children’s learning journals.”

Inspectors recommended two main improvements for the playgroup, which was to ensure opportunities that challenge and stretch children and develop children’s mathematical language.

The report said: “Staff do not always ensure that the opportunities and experiences they offer for the more able or older children provide sufficient challenge to stretch them in their learning.

“Children’s awareness of mathematical language and their problem-solving skills are not always encouraged by staff.”

To read the findings of the report for yourself, visit: reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/ find-inspection-report/provider/ CARE/507994