An early learning daycare where children feel “safe and settled” has gone from ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Good’ following a visit from the education watchdog.
The Whiteshill Playgroup, is celebrating the improvement after just five months.
Whiteshill Play Leader Anna, said: “We couldn’t be happier or more relieved with the result. To go from inadequate in all areas to good in all areas in just five months is an incredible achievement the whole team can be really proud of.
“This result is the product of a huge amount of work behind the scenes from both the staff and the committee members. The curriculum has been re-written, the space has been revamped and we have a new team of staff. It is now a much more inclusive environment, we have free flow play from inside to outside, the children can choose what they would like to play and are encouraged to find different ways of interacting with the resources.
“We received amazing support from the quality team, the inclusion team and the business team at Gloucestershire County Council, who helped guide our improvements by providing tailored support and training.
“We are very fortunate to have supportive parents at the Playgroup who didn’t give up on us and had confidence in my vision for the future. Without them, the Playgroup wouldn’t still be here, so I am truly grateful for their belief in us.
“The Playgroup is now thriving and I feel we are still only at the beginning of our journey of transformation. I am very excited for the future and look forward to seeing what we will do next.”
Link to Ofsted report: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50266453
Meanwhile, the playgroup will also be running a Fairy Door Trail around Whiteshill village over half-term to raise much-needed funds.
The family friendly event will run from the 15th to the 23rd of February. Maps will be available from the Village Shop and there is free parking next to the playing fields.
Whiteshill Playgroup has spaces available Tuesday – Friday, 8.30am to 3pm. Contact Anna on admin@whiteshillplaygroup.co.uk, call 07591 240203 or visit www.whiteshillplaygroup.co.uk for more information.