Little Bears Playgroup brought 'back to life' after new Ofsted verdict

The team at Little Bears Play Group were left ‘devastated’ and ‘in a bad place’ after receiving a negative inspection back in November that determined the setting as inadequate.

But without warning or notice, an Ofsted inspector appeared at the doors of Little Bears on March 21 and had much kinder words to reflect their visit, with an overall praising outcome.

Team of staff at Little Bears celebrated their revised Ofsted rating of Good (Image: Supplied)

Despite the hostile report that was released at the end of last year, the parents of the children who attend the setting were said to have rallied around Little Bears after they received the detrimental news that they had lost funding due to the comments from the official report.

Wendy Green, manager of the setting at the time of the report spoke of how the parents persistently supported the play group throughout the ‘devastating time’ and organised fundraisers to provide extra funding.

“The parents know us and trusted us and supported us through that time. They brought us back to life and we cannot thank them enough.”

Touching on how the initial inspection affected the Little Bears team, she said: “It had a massive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Their harsh words cut like a knife.

“The second inspection was a total likeness to who and what we are.”

The most recent inspection report began: “Children are warmly welcomed into this cosy but exciting playgroup. The home-from-home atmosphere helps all children to feel secure.

“Children develop strong and caring bonds with their key person. However, all staff know the children well. Staff ensure that children are nurtured and cared for, which helps them to feel safe.

“The environment is stimulating and well-resourced which helps to facilitate children's play and exploration.”

Little Bears have plenty of outdoor space for the children to explore (Image: Supplied)

A parent whose child attends Little Bears, Hayley Willis, said her daughter who has been sick and in and out of hospital from a young age, has been looked after by the group from the age of eight-months.

She said the staff took on extra training to enable Sophia to attend and ‘learnt how to deal with stoma care’ which showed huge ‘dedication’.

Speaking about her daughter Hayley said: “She has had some major hospital stays and the support from them all has been second to none.

“They sent gifts, told me not to pay any fees whilst she was recovering and unable to go. They made me feel at ease and knew exactly when she was getting poorly.

“I’ve got so much faith in them as teachers to our babies. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to work.”

Little Bears was visited by Ofsted only four months after the previous visit and was taken from an inadequate grading up to good (Image: Supplied)

It was highlighted in the latest report how the leadership within the setting have worked ‘tirelessly’ since the previous inspection to ‘address the weaknesses identified previously’.

“Staff training has been implemented and policies and procedures have been improved. Self-evaluation and action plans are used well. The leadership team now have a clear understanding and accurate evaluation of the quality of the provision.”

The play group staff were praised for the ‘targeted’ and ‘catered’ care they provide to the children who attend.

“Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities effectively. Simple sign language is practised.

“Staff work with parents and external professionals to ensure that relevant support is provided in a timely manner. Children who need a little more help receive meaningful and targeted care.”

Another point highlighted by the inspector was how diversity is praised and reflected well in play time.

“Diversity is celebrated and accepted. Staff provide thoughtful resources so that inclusion is incorporated into the curriculum.

“Children delight when they see toys that represent them, such as dolls wearing spectacles. Children engage in animated pretend play, using puppets which are designed to promote disability awareness.”

After the positive outcome of the report, Little Bears funding was returned and to thank the parents the staff arranged a celebration at the play group last Saturday, May 20, with over 150 people attending, including parents of children past and current.

Peppa pig and paw patrol were in attendance for the emotional celebration.

A statement from Little Bears said: “Our fun day on Saturday May 20 was all about celebrating with our parents our Good Ofsted judgment in April and thanking them for sticking by us after our devastating Inadequate judgement in Novemeber.

“We wanted to thank all our parents for trusting and believing in us Big Bears and helping us emotionally and mentally by keeping their children with us as all us Big Bears are passionate about our jobs and love the children like they are our own.”