Tiddlers Playgroup

Countryside walks, hospital role play and books in quieter spaces give Tiddlers Playgroup a recognisable character in its September 2022 account. Based at Shawell Memorial Hall in Shawell, it has 14 places in total.

Ofsted rated the playgroup Good on 22 September 2022, with strengths in parent relationships and children's shared play, alongside improvements needed in independent problem-solving and activities for younger children. Children attending at that time were aged two to four.

In September 2022, children chose resources and involved adults in their imaginative play. Wrapping an adult's arm in bandages prompted conversation about hospitals and helping someone recover. Familiar play became a way to explore the wider world.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the September 2022 examples included conversation, exploration and learning to cooperate through play. At the sand tray, children added water and discussed how the material changed. Younger children explored its texture before taking part, while adults supplied words to describe the changes.

Countryside walks also featured in September 2022. Children investigated insects and plants, then used photographs on the wall to revisit their experiences. The quieter spaces offered books and somewhere to rest; familiar stories encouraged older children to join in with remembered phrases. Parachute games brought children together, giving them a practical reason to take turns.

The balance of adult help needed attention. In September 2022, staff sometimes intervened too readily, reducing opportunities for children to test an idea or anticipate a result. Younger children's activities also needed more sustained adult support and appropriate challenge.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff understanding how to raise welfare concerns and using team discussions and training to maintain their awareness. This is a dated judgement.

In September 2022, key persons learnt about children's interests, existing understanding and home routines from parents. That information helped connect care at home with the playgroup day. Children chose when to have a snack or drink and practised handwashing before eating, giving everyday routines a role in developing independence.

Support with behaviour was practical too. In September 2022, adults used encouragement and reminders to help younger children share resources and wait for a turn. Older children provided examples for younger children sharing the same space.

The address is Shawell Memorial Hall, Lutterworth Road, Shawell, LE17 6AE.

In September 2022, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday, during term time. Funded early education then covered children aged two, three and four. These describe the arrangements at that date.

• Independent thinking. September 2022 practice sometimes involved adults helping too quickly. Giving children room to try their own solutions is an important point to explore during a visit.
• Younger children's learning. In September 2022, activities needed more consistent support and challenge for younger children. Look for how adults extend an activity after a child first joins in.
• Attendance arrangements. The September 2022 offer followed a term-time timetable. What attendance and funding arrangements now apply for your child's age?

Tiddlers suits families drawn to a small-capacity playgroup whose September 2022 day combined countryside exploration, imaginative play and shared stories. Its strongest appeal lies in those concrete experiences and links with home. The same dated account makes independent thinking and sustained engagement for younger children the key points to weigh.