ANN DIXON
INDEPENDENT EARLY YEARS SPECIALIST
ENGAGING CHILDREN
GENERAL INFORMATION GATHERING.
Name of the group- Alphabet playgroup
Date ;- 21[th] September 2023
Time ;- 9-30am
Staff in the 5 staff in total group
Number of funded places == 26 total
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Where are the group at now? Alphabet pg is a well established group with a strong staff team of 5. I was encouraging the group to think about taking part in the protype inspection by ETI, the groups are providing an excellent provision for the children attending. The group are operating a full session to 12 noon, children have all settled in well, they are confident in making their feelings known, developing independence, and confidence , it makes such a difference when children return from their pre-pre-school year. The leader did discuss a couple of things .- - Individual needs
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- Some children in the process however not yet statemented
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- Toileting needs.
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- While one child can read all the printed word around the room.
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- Management committee- some changes will take place at AGM
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- We do hope that Ruth will remain in her role as Chair.
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- Lunch club – this is going well and good numbers daily.
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- New non- slip matting under the sand and water activity provided by the council.
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The playroom layout as always provides a wide range of activities and resources, interest areas, and all the activities cover the 6 areas of learning and in line with planning. The group use the sea saw app for observations and assessments- I discussed this with the deputy leader, how this information is then used to link into the short term plan in order to meet needs and show clear progression.
ANN DIXON
INDEPENDENT EARLY YEARS SPECIALIST
ENGAGING CHILDREN
The group maintain some very good relationship with the local primary school, also their parents.
Children enjoyed getting outdoors, space is limited outdoors when all the children are out at the one time, the session ended with story and children listened very well, especially as they have just started.
Areas of focus for coming term/year
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Fundraising – as like all groups finances in the group can be stretched and therefore fundraising is needed .
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Salaries- the chairperson did contact me regarding updated pay scales to ensure the groups were investing in the staff team as a very valuable resource.
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Outdoor play – continue to develop this small area to provide a wide range of outdoor physical play.
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We discussed standardisation.
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“Vision statement”
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Development plan – action plans – I read over the development plan and action plans, this is a very clear, detailed file, including lots of good evidence to back up areas being developed.
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Lots of good photographic evidence, written evaluation etc.
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The date for AGM has been planned for the 7[th] October
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Again, I would encourage the leader to have a chat with her district inspector in relation to the ETI pilot inspection.
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I had the opportunity to meet with Ruth the chairperson during my visit.
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Chairperson /Ruth informed me that;-
-The salaries have been reviewed /updated
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The need for fundraising
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Need for new members on the management committee
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I encouraged the chair to send out an expression of interest for the management, and to also give a brief description of what it means on the committee.
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“Getting to know you morning” is planned for next week, to get to know the parents a little better, and this would be a great opportunity to speak to parents about joining the management committee.
This a lovely morning in the group, it’s a pleasure to watch the skilful interaction from
ANN DIXON
INDEPENDENT EARLY YEARS SPECIALIST
ENGAGING CHILDREN
the staff team, and the fun and enjoyment that children were having.
ann
Area IEYS can support the staff team this term/year
As above
Signed ___ IEYS -- Ann Dixon
Signed leader___
Date _
Date of my next visit 8th November 2023
Date of next cluster – 6[th] October 2023