Tate House Playgroup, Meath Gardens

In September 2024, herb planting, duck-counting games and books outdoors gave this playgroup a recognisable character. At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good, found safeguarding effective and reported good learning progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Tate House Playgroup, Meath Gardens has capacity for 28 children. In September 2024, the children attending were aged two to four, and the setting operated from Meath Gardens Children's Centre in Tower Hamlets.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the September 2024 examples included counting games, stories and exploration of nature through play.

Older children searched for toy ducks in pasta, then extended the game outdoors, using counting to work out which ducks remained hidden. That gave early addition a practical purpose. Singing involved hats, actions and instruments, while books were accessible both inside and outside.

In September 2024, children planted herbs in the garden, explored where snails lived and took regular park walks to notice seasonal changes. They chose their own art materials, served fruit and used a water station. These small routines gave them opportunities to practise independence.

Group discussions needed more balance. During September 2024, quicker answers from older children sometimes left younger children too little thinking time to participate.

In September 2024, a key-person arrangement supported relationships with families. Staff adjusted activities to children's interests and needs, and lent toys and other resources for learning at home. Connections with the Children's Centre and teams from the local authority linked the playgroup to wider support.

Stories about emotions and slow breathing helped children explore feelings. However, September 2024 practice did not consistently help children understand how their actions affected others; further work on managing emotions and understanding rules was needed.

Staff received regular training and support from leaders. Some existing committee members had not supplied the information needed for suitability checks in September 2024. They had no direct contact with children, and this had no effect on children's welfare.

The address is 1 Smart Street, London E2 0SN. In September 2024, weekday opening hours were 8.30am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 3.30pm, during term time. These were two separate opening windows with a gap between them.

At that date, the playgroup received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated funding position, rather than a current entitlement offer.

• Younger children's voice. September 2024 group discussions sometimes favoured faster, older contributors. At a visit, ask how staff now give younger children time to answer.
• Understanding behaviour. September 2024 practice needed to explain the effects of children's actions more consistently. Ask how staff help children understand another child's feelings during disagreements.
• Attendance planning. The September 2024 hours had a midday gap and followed term time. What attendance arrangement would fit your family's week now?

The September 2024 picture suits families drawn to practical learning, outdoor exploration and relationships supported by a key person. Herb growing, number games and resources lent for home learning give that judgement substance. Younger children's participation and support for managing behaviour are the two areas to weigh alongside those strengths.