A church-based playgroup in Sale which was said to ‘require improvement’ at a prior inspection has now been boosted by an overall ‘good’ rating.

Ofsted officials visited Butterflies Playgroup at St Mary’s Church Centre on November 24 and judged it to be ‘good’ in all categories of assessment – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

Butterflies caters for a maximum of 32 children aged two to four, but at the time of the latest inspection, there were 18 on the roll. Launched in 1997, it employs seven childcare staff and a manager.

The report by inspector Deborah Magee said that children were ‘motivated and eager to learn when they arrive at the safe and nurturing setting’.

“They quickly explore independently and become engrossed in the activities on offer,” she said. “This helps children make progress in their all-round development. They demonstrate determination and problem-solving skills.”

Ms Magee said that the children have close bonds with staff and close friendships with their peers.

She said that leaders and staff plan and deliver an interesting curriculum focused on each child’s assessed development needs. Overall, this builds on what children already know, and they make good progress, she said.

But Ms Magee goes on: “However, at times, the organisation of routines and activities can make it difficult for children to focus. On these occasions, children become distracted and so do not consistently gain the intended skills.

“Improvements have been made since the last inspection. The playgroup committee is now accountable for the management of the setting. It is responsible for monitoring the practice of managers.”

She said that the deputy manager had increased responsibilities and staff now mostly have the skills to fulfil their roles effectively.

Ms Magee continued: “Some staff are not yet fully aware of the setting’s policies and values. This means they do not always understand the vision of the leadership team.”

But she added that children’s communication and language development was a focus for all children and that staff interactions are ‘of a good quality’.

She said that arrangements for safeguarding were effective. Ms Magee added: “Leaders and staff are committed to safeguarding children’s welfare. They identify the potential signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm.

“Staff know the procedures to follow if they are concerned about children’s safety.”