Tuffley Playgroup at Harewood Infant School

Storytelling with homemade telescopes and building with garden bricks give Tuffley Playgroup at Harewood Infant School a practical, playful character in its February 2023 account. It has capacity for 24 children, with its base at Harewood Infant School in Tuffley, Gloucester.

Ofsted rated the playgroup Good on 27 February 2023. Children attending then were aged two to four; that age range describes the children at that visit.

In February 2023, children chose activities indoors and outside, while staff balanced offering help with giving them space to explore. Scissors and play dough provided practice with hand movements; building upwards with bricks in the garden gave children a challenge they could see taking shape.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2023 examples show learning through play, conversation and stories.

The Shark in the Park supplied an especially concrete example that February: children used telescopes they had made to act out the story and joined in its rhymes. Books also became something children shared independently with friends. In the home corner, pretend cooking prompted conversation, while staff introduced vocabulary about shape, weight and number during play.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, children progressing well from different starting points, and strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with staff seeking additional help promptly.

That February, staff helped upset children settle through calm responses, comfort and relaxation techniques. Key persons shared information with parents about children's experiences, but regular parent meetings were not established. Closer communication with families was an improvement priority, alongside better exchanges with other settings children attended. Both matter: useful conversations should connect a child's experiences across home and childcare.

The address is Harewood Infant School, Harewood Close, Tuffley, Gloucester, GL4 0SS.

In February 2023, opening hours were 9am to 12.45pm on weekdays other than Tuesday, during school terms. At that time, the playgroup received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. These are dated operating arrangements.

Being based at Harewood Infant School does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Parent communication. Regular meetings with parents were an improvement priority in February 2023. During a visit, ask how key-person conversations and meetings now work.
• Shared childcare. Information exchange with other settings needed development in February 2023. Families combining providers should discuss how learning and care information passes between them.
• Attendance pattern. The February 2023 timetable excluded Tuesdays and school holidays. What opening and booking arrangements now apply to your child's intended attendance?

The February 2023 picture suits families drawn to child-led play, storytelling and practical activities in a school-based playgroup. Its garden building and shared books give that judgement substance. The dated term-time timetable is central to the practical fit, while parent meetings and communication across settings deserve attention when choosing it.