Cause for celebration at Weatheralls Playgroup after it shoots from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ in Ofsted report

Soham playgroup at Weatheralls School on Pratt Street had received the lowest grading from Ofsted in November 2015, but inspector Jacqueline Baker now says staff are ‘skilled’ and children are ‘happy and secure’ after visiting the playgroup on May 20.

Collaboration between staff, committee members and parents was praised in Ms Baker’s report, as well as the staff’s development, with the report saying staff ‘value the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills.’

The playgroup, which has 39 two to four-year-olds on roll, was particularly praised for its support of children with learning disabilities, with the report saying it is ‘especially strong’ due to staff working with individuals being ‘skilled’ in their roles.

Ms Baker’s report also says that ‘strong and emotional bonds’ between staff and children were evident, with them ‘learning happily together’ in a ‘nurturing environment.’

Children were described as ‘happy and secure,’ and that behaviour is ‘very good’ as they ‘respond well to gentle reminder and guidance consistently given by staff.’