Tetbury Nursery Playgroup

A construction area, chalk drawing outdoors and visits to the local fire station give Tetbury Nursery Playgroup a practical, play-led character. In July 2024, children built models, explored new vocabulary and took their learning beyond the playgroup. These are useful examples of what learning looked like here, rather than a curriculum reduced to preparation for school.

At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the playgroup Good and judged safeguarding effective. Based at Carrie Kitkat Clinic, The Ferns, Tetbury, GL8 8JE, it has capacity for 33 children aged two to five.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, its July 2024 examples included learning through construction, drawing and conversation. Staff used children's interests and what they could already do to decide their next learning steps. That connected adult planning with the play children chose themselves.

In July 2024, the construction area gave children space to build with blocks, with completed models kept for children to return to. Chalk drawing on the playground provided another way to practise hand control. During an activity about volcanoes, adults introduced more demanding vocabulary and encouraged children to recall earlier learning.

Walks and visits also formed part of the July 2024 experience, including a trip through town to the local fire station. Learning about festivals and cultures extended those conversations beyond children's immediate surroundings.

In July 2024, children had close relationships with their key person, while parents understood both current learning and the next steps staff were working towards. A lending library allowed families to borrow suitable books, giving them a concrete way to continue shared reading at home.

Toileting support that July encouraged younger children to manage their clothing and wash their hands, making everyday care an opportunity to practise independence. Eight staff worked with the children at the time.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND made good progress through coordination between the SENDCo, families, staff and external agencies, but recommended more consistent use of support strategies and clearer explanations of how behaviour affects others. These concerns matter alongside the positive account of relationships.

The address is Carrie Kitkat Clinic, The Ferns, Tetbury, GL8 8JE. The playgroup opens during term time, from 8.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday and from 8.30am to 1pm on Friday. The shorter Friday opening needs to fit the family's working week.

In July 2024, the playgroup received early education funding for eligible two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• SEND support. The July 2024 recommendation concerned consistency in applying support strategies. At a visit, ask how agreed strategies are shared and followed by every practitioner supporting your child.
• Understanding behaviour. In July 2024, children were reminded to behave kindly, but explanations of the effect on others were inconsistent. Ask how staff now help children understand and resolve disagreements.
• Term-time routine. Friday finishes at 1pm, earlier than the other weekdays. Families need an arrangement that fits both that finish and the term-time calendar.

Tetbury Nursery Playgroup suits families seeking term-time care for children aged two to five. Its July 2024 account gives substance to its play-led character: construction, outdoor drawing, shared books and community visits. The Good judgement is balanced by specific recommendations about SEND strategies and behaviour explanations, which deserve attention when choosing care.