The Hideaway

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy attending this inviting and inclusive setting. They benefit from a range of hands-on experiences in the natural environment. Staff offer children a warm welcome and know how to meet their individual needs effectively.

Staff adopt a child-centred approach and encourage children to lead their own learning and make independent play choices. The setting operates from an enclosed outdoor forest school with access to suitable indoor kitchen and toilet facilities. Children have a broad range of activities to choose from while being supported by a dedicated staff team, including qualified forest school practitioners.
.../>Children have fun engaging in imaginative play in the mud kitchen, using the tree swing and competing with their friends to build tall towers from wooden bricks. The children are familiar with the daily routine, and enjoy spending quality time with their friends in the 'fire circle'. Children like to use this space to toast marshmallows, engage in group discussions and listen to staff read stories.

During the inspection, children thoroughly enjoyed making their own miniature raft boats out of plastic corks and elastic bands before placing their boats into water to watch them float. Staff offer children consistent praise and encouragement. This helps children to have a go at trying new things and builds their confidence even further.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

Staff know how to promote children's independence skills. For example, they encourage children to get involved in tasks, such as building a fire pit from logs and collecting dry twigs from the enclosed forest area. Children enjoy making their own strawberry lemonade with help from staff.

Staff teach children to gain essential skills to support their future learning.Children are caring and considerate towards their peers and adults. They listen to staff and follow instructions well.

Older children are caring towards younger ones and like to involve them in their play. Staff are good role models in promoting positive behaviour. They teach children from the outset about behaviour expectations.

The setting has an effective key-person system for pre-school and Reception-age children. Staff have a good understanding of their roles as key persons. They get to know the children's needs and preferences from the start of their placement.

Staff work in partnership with parents to exchange key information to help their child settle in and feel at ease.Staff provide a range of healthy foods during snack time, including fresh fruit. Children have access to water throughout the session and staff top up children's water bottles, ensuring they remain hydrated.

Staff cater for children's dietary needs and provide alternative food options, if needed.The owner and manager ensure the effective running of the setting. They provide staff with ongoing support, including regular supervision meetings to discuss opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Staff comment that they enjoy their roles and feel supported by leaders.Parents are highly complimentary about the forest school setting. They comment that their children enjoy exploring the natural surrounding, including building fires, engaging in craft activities and cooking.

Parents comment that staff are always helpful, organised and provide regular updates.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Leaders and staff are familiar with the signs of abuse and know how to make a referral to the relevant authorities, should they have any concerns about a child in their care.

They understand the need to whistle-blow if they became aware of anything that may place a child or others at risk of harm. Staff receive regular safeguarding updates and have a good knowledge of all safeguarding issues, including county lines and the 'Prevent' duty. All staff know how to report any concerns, in line with the setting's own safeguarding policy and local safeguarding partnership.