Praise for playgroup

A VILLAGE playgroup has been praised in an Ofsted inspection for its warm and welcoming environment .

The Ladybird Playgroup in Thriplow received an overall 'good' report for its quality of childcare and nursery ­education.

The report also praised the children's good behaviour, and noted that staff are 'regularly encouraging the children to be aware of each other's needs'.

It said: "Children learn to be healthy through their daily routines. They know about good practice, such as washing their hands before having their snack and lunch.

"Their personal development and self-esteem are promoted through encouragement and good levels of support from the well-established staff."

Playgroup leader Sharon McGinty was recognised in the report for her clear vision for the playgroup.

"She is committed and ­dedicated to her role, enabling her and the staff team to provide quality care and education for children."

The staff were said to use praise 'consistently and regularly throughout the session' and children were said to respond well to this.

The quality and standards of the care, nursery education and the quality of teaching and learning were all regarded as 'good' in the inspector's report.

Mrs McGinty said: "We are very pleased with the Ofsted report.

"It is a reflection of the ­dedication of the staff and ­parents to the playgroup.

"We have a lovely group of ­children here, and it is a fitting reward for the hard work that we put in."

With the partnership between parents and carers noted as good, the inspector reported how parents speak very highly of the staff at the playgroup.

"Children benefit from well motivated staff who are good role models.