A VILLAGE playgroup has been rated as ‘good’ after its latest Estyn inspection.

Little Treasures Playgroup based in a classroom at Park County Primary School in Llay was given the rating by inspectors both for its current performance and prospects for improvement in the future.

The playgroup is an English medium setting for three to four-year-old children in Llay. It has recently re-registered as part of a new service, which includes flying start, wrap around day care and holiday club provision.

Nearly all the children come from the local area and the setting is registered to take up to 24 children per session.

At the time of the inspection there were 11 children in receipt of funded education. The setting meets for one session each day from 8.50am to 11.20am.

The report states: “Many children enter the setting with skills and knowledge below the levels expected for their age.

“During their time at the setting most children make good progress, particularly in the development of their personal and social skills.

“Most children listen attentively. They pay good attention when others are talking and allow other children to speak without interrupting them.

“They share resources, interact appropriately with each other and have good manners.

“During story time, many children pay close attention and a few join in enthusiastically with aspects of the story.

“The majority speak clearly, and a few are happy to share information about what they are doing with adults.

“For example, they talk about what they are making in the mud kitchen. Most children enjoy mark making with a range of equipment on different surfaces.

“For example, they use tablets, felt tipped pens and shaving foam. With support, a few children pretend to write a shopping list in the role-play area. “

All areas of the playgroup were rated as ‘good’ except for leadership which was graded as ‘adequate’ with the report adding: “The lead practitioner is aware of local and national priorities and there is a successful focus on developing children’s literacy, numeracy and Welsh language skills.”