School's Out at Langley

In April 2023, a worry handprint, emotion-linked soft toys and a home library scheme gave School's Out at Langley a recognisable character: feelings and family involvement featured alongside play. The setting has 50 places in total, on Langley Avenue in Whitley Bay.

At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and highlighted children's personal development and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children attending at that time were aged 2 to 9; that age span describes the provision then.

In April 2023, children explored an enclosed, spacious garden, hearing staff describe sounds as they broke twigs underfoot and moved through puddles. Vegetable chopping introduced vocabulary through a practical task. These were useful opportunities to connect words with things children could hear, handle and do.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the April 2023 examples included conversation, stories, physical activity and learning through play. Staff followed children's interests, using favourite books to shape storytelling and displays. Computer maps helped children locate their homes, while shells brought from overseas holidays prompted comparisons with those from the local beach.

There was a clear teaching limitation. At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified occasions when staff could have taken children's thinking further and asked for better use of those opportunities.

In April 2023, the worry handprint gave children a way to seek comfort, while a morning choice of soft toy represented their feelings and was revisited later. This made emotions something staff and children could return to during the day. Gentle reminders encouraged listening and kindness; older children helped recognise positive behaviour, and children shared compliments about friends.

Before children started, staff collected detailed information to plan appealing experiences. In April 2023, additional speech and language assessments supported that work, and staff collaborated with health professionals. Parents participated in children's learning through the home library scheme and sessions called stay and play.

School staff and the setting's staff also met to discuss children attending both provisions and plan their support in April 2023. This was practical transition work, rather than an admissions entitlement.

The address is Langley Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE25 9DF.

In April 2023, the offer combined playgroup provision, wraparound care and before- and after-school care. Opening hours were Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm in school term time, and 8am to 5.30pm during school holidays. These were opening windows, rather than individual session times.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the April 2023 provision. Staff also discussed healthy eating with children and shared guidance on packed lunches with parents at that time.

• Teaching beyond the activity. The April 2023 improvement point concerned extending children's thinking. Look for how practitioners build on an answer or interest rather than simply move the activity along.
• Matching the attendance pattern. The April 2023 provision combined playgroup and wraparound care. At a visit, which current booking pattern would fit your child's age and your family's routine?

The April 2023 picture suits families considering either playgroup provision or wraparound care who value emotional expression, shared reading and practical play. The garden and home library scheme give that picture substance. The teaching improvement point deserves attention alongside the Good judgement.