The Vine Playgroup

Crackers to spread, drinks to pour and bicycles to ride: practical independence gives The Vine Playgroup's November 2023 account its character. This New Moston setting has capacity for 25 children, with everyday tasks forming an important part of the learning described at that time.

At its 17 November 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and highlighted how cooperation with families and professionals helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress. The main improvement concerned teaching children about online safety.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, with play providing opportunities to practise communication, movement and independence. In November 2023, children helped choose learning topics: favourite toys prompted exploration of vehicles, including scooters and cars. Their interests shaped what came next.

Physical activity had both small-scale and whole-body elements. That November, children worked dough with scissors and pipe cleaners, balanced on indoor apparatus and rode bicycles outdoors. These experiences exercised hand control alongside larger movements.

Language threaded through play. In November 2023, staff used songs, rhyme and whispered instructions to draw attention to sounds. Books and imaginative play introduced different cultures; conversations about Halloween and Bonfire Night gave children space to discuss feelings. Real telephones and laptops also featured in play, although online safety teaching needed attention.

In November 2023, key persons gave extra reassurance to children needing help to settle. Staff encouraged kindness and helped children work through disagreements; older children supported younger ones with tidying. Care and behaviour were connected through ordinary shared tasks.

Independence extended to snack time that November. Children chose food, spread crackers and poured their drinks, while managing small self-care tasks such as disposing of used tissues. These were concrete opportunities to practise skills useful for starting school.

Safeguarding arrangements in November 2023 included refreshed staff training, building risk assessments and procedures for reporting concerns. Every staff member had designated safeguarding lead training, and a special educational needs coordinator contributed to support arrangements.

The address is St Chads Parish Church, Hazeldene Road, New Moston, Manchester M40 3GL. The 25 places are the whole-setting capacity, rather than a daily group size.

In November 2023, children attending were aged two to three. The playgroup operated Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm, and provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that inspection period.

• Online safety. In November 2023, children used laptops and telephones in play, but teaching did not cover staying safe online. This was the specific curriculum improvement required.
• Planning attendance. The November 2023 pattern was a term-time weekday session. What are the current accepted ages, session choices and funding arrangements, including charges for meals and consumables?

For parents who value practical independence, language woven into play and support with settling, the November 2023 picture offers concrete reasons to consider The Vine Playgroup. Its term-time session pattern at that date would suit families seeking care within the school-term rhythm. Online safety teaching was the improvement required in November 2023, alongside those strengths.