Ranwell Playgroup

In May 2023, songs, stories and a garden mud kitchen shaped daily life at Ranwell Playgroup in Bow, combining shared activities with opportunities for children to explore. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The setting has capacity for 28 children at 1 McCullum Road, London E3 5HZ. Children attending in May 2023 were aged two to four. The account of daily life below describes that period.

In May 2023, the day included singing with instruments and actions, followed by a separate opportunity to concentrate on books. These activities gave children practice in remembering stories and trying unfamiliar words. Learning had a social dimension too: children explored different cultures, family structures and their neighbourhood.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday expression in May 2023 included learning through play, practising communication and becoming more independent. Staff watched children's play and used those observations to plan individual next steps, rather than giving everyone identical goals.

Outdoor play included water, sand and a mud kitchen. The garden extended indoor activities into another space, valuable for children who lacked a garden at home. However, in May 2023, the outdoor layout was not being used fully to develop movement and physical skills. Better use of that space was the improvement required.

In May 2023, familiar routines helped children settle, while adults demonstrated considerate behaviour and recognised kindness and cooperation. Each child had a peg for their belongings, and tidying toys gave them a part in looking after the playgroup. Handwashing, toothbrushing and discussions about healthy food made self-care practical.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that individual planning supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language, with children prepared for their next stage, including school.

Parent communication in May 2023 included progress updates, a weekly newsletter with activities for home, coffee mornings and opportunities to learn alongside children. Trips involving parents introduced local parks and amenities. Staff also worked with external agencies when children needed additional support.

In May 2023, opening hours were 9am to midday and midday to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. This was a daytime, term-time arrangement to weigh against family work schedules and school holidays.

At that time, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. That participation is separate from an individual family's eligibility.

• Outdoor movement. Better use of the garden was required in May 2023. On a visit, look at the opportunities children have to practise movement and physical skills.
• Attendance and funding. The May 2023 arrangement was term-time daytime provision. What current booking and funding arrangements would apply to your child?
• Learning together. Coffee mornings and parent-child learning opportunities formed part of family involvement in May 2023. Consider how this kind of participation fits your own schedule.

Ranwell merits consideration by families drawn to shared music, stories, outdoor play and involvement in children's learning. Its May 2023 provision suited families seeking term-time daytime care. The Good judgement gives a positive inspection position, balanced by a specific requirement to improve opportunities for physical development outdoors.