About Sparrow Playgroup
Sparrow Playgroup is situated in the main hall of the Church of The Ascension. The hall is sub-divided into areas for different types of play, giving the children a choice of free-play or planned activities. The areas consist of a large Home Corner; Role Play; Reading Area; a Construction Area; Small World Play; Sand and Water; Mark-Making and Number Areas; Malleable (play dough) Area; Workshop Area and a jigsaw and manipulative toy Area. There are opportunities for the children to access the computer and play simple and age appropriate programs.
Opportunities for outdoor play are provided in our spacious purpose made, well equipped and recently refurbished outdoor play area. The area is situated to the rear of the building and is fully enclosed, with safety flooring for the large climbing equipment and a large paved area where all the play and learning opportunities offered in the hall, can be accessed in the outdoors - Mark-Making; Construction; Small world; Role Play; Reading Area; Sand and Water as well as the opportunity to use cars, bikes and the children's own digging area. We have an open, walk-in sand pit, bark area for building and making dens, a mud kitchen and natural weaving board. Tuesday afternoons are Outdoor Learning, when the staff and children spend the whole session outside, offering activities revolved around natural resources and natural events.
Sparrow Playgroup is registered with OFSTED and Lancashire County Council and has the support of the Area Teacher Team and Special Educational Needs Partnership Team.
In October 2019, Sparrow Playgroup received its 8th Ofsted inspection and we were graded Good. The Ofsted Inspector praised the provision provided and the quality of care and commitment by all the staff. Extracts from the Ofsted report appear in italics below. A full copy of the report is available from the Playgroup, on the Ofsted website or can be found in the entrance porch of the setting at every session.
“Support for children’s communication skills is a distinct strength.
Staff show high expectations of children providing many ways for them to be independent.
The atmosphere within the playgroup is calm and purposeful.
There is a clear, strong team spirit among the long-standing and well-established staff team. Morale is high and staff feel supported and highly valued by the Manager.
Partnership working is excellent. Parents are kept well informed about their children’s progress and are regularly invited to share information about children’s learning at home.
The manager and staff have firm knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding and child protection procedures to help protect children’s safety and welfare.”
Opportunities for outdoor play are provided in our spacious purpose made, well equipped and recently refurbished outdoor play area. The area is situated to the rear of the building and is fully enclosed, with safety flooring for the large climbing equipment and a large paved area where all the play and learning opportunities offered in the hall, can be accessed in the outdoors - Mark-Making; Construction; Small world; Role Play; Reading Area; Sand and Water as well as the opportunity to use cars, bikes and the children's own digging area. We have an open, walk-in sand pit, bark area for building and making dens, a mud kitchen and natural weaving board. Tuesday afternoons are Outdoor Learning, when the staff and children spend the whole session outside, offering activities revolved around natural resources and natural events.
Sparrow Playgroup is registered with OFSTED and Lancashire County Council and has the support of the Area Teacher Team and Special Educational Needs Partnership Team.
In October 2019, Sparrow Playgroup received its 8th Ofsted inspection and we were graded Good. The Ofsted Inspector praised the provision provided and the quality of care and commitment by all the staff. Extracts from the Ofsted report appear in italics below. A full copy of the report is available from the Playgroup, on the Ofsted website or can be found in the entrance porch of the setting at every session.
“Support for children’s communication skills is a distinct strength.
Staff show high expectations of children providing many ways for them to be independent.
The atmosphere within the playgroup is calm and purposeful.
There is a clear, strong team spirit among the long-standing and well-established staff team. Morale is high and staff feel supported and highly valued by the Manager.
Partnership working is excellent. Parents are kept well informed about their children’s progress and are regularly invited to share information about children’s learning at home.
The manager and staff have firm knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding and child protection procedures to help protect children’s safety and welfare.”
