Good work improves ‘inadequate’ playgroup

St Gabriel’s Playgroup, in East Street, was rated ‘inadequate’ following an inspection in July, with weaknesses identified in everything from teaching to leadership.

A follow-up inspection on December 1 left inspector Catherine Greenwood so impressed with the efforts of the staff to improve the entire provision, she increased the rating to ‘good’.

In her report, published on December 30, Ms Greenwood said: “Since the last inspection, the manager has worked effectively with the staff team and the playgroup committee to significantly improve the overall quality of the provision.

“This has had a beneficial impact on children’s learning and development.

“All children now make good progress in readiness for their next steps in learning.”

Ms Greenwood listed two point which needed to be addressed if St Gabriel’s was to achieve the top ‘outstanding’ rating.

The first was for staff to use children’s interests to further develop their early reading and writing skills; while the second was to increase opportunities for children to explore technology and learn how things work.

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