Art Camp @Shire Oak

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children happily arrive to the setting. They interact with the friendly staff and know the daily routines, helping them feel secure.

Staff have clear expectations and boundaries for children, such as to respect each other, have fun and be kind to others. Staff aim to provide a safe space for children and, through a range of art and craft activities, help them develop a sense of belonging and enjoy their time at the setting.Children are eager to seek out their friends and share their news.

There is a lot of excitement in the air as the children settle down to their day. A pre-planned range of activities are shared on the se...tting's website, so children arrive looking forward to some of the experiences they will have. For example, children enjoy learning about and walking some alpacas that are visiting the setting.

Children have opportunities to use the school playground, where they can run, climb, balance and enjoy a game of football. Other children follow the enthusiastic staff as they act out songs with actions. Staff use their theatrical skills to engage children and bring joy to their play.

At these times, children who are involved have big smiles on their faces.

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

Since the last inspection, the provider has made the changes necessary to ensure the requirements of registration are met. This includes receiving support from the local authority.

This means, for example, the safety of children has improved, some staff have completed first aid and safeguarding training and overall policies and procedures more effectively inform staff practice. Where detail is still missing from some policy information, there is no impact on children. This is because staff are following correct procedures, for example, with regard to the safe storage of mobile phones.

A key-person system has been implemented for the youngest children attending the setting, which means their individual needs are now met and they receive consistent support. However, at times staff who provide care for the older children do not recognise quickly enough when they are not joining in with the session. For example, when noise levels rise, some quieter, less confident children sit to the side.

Staff have not considered the organisation of sessions in the hall to enable children to have their own space or choice of alternative activities when needed.The provider has completed safer recruitment training and follows appropriate staff recruitment procedures to help assess staff suitability. The provider monitors staff practice through one-to-one meetings and appraisals.

Staff have opportunities to update their skills and knowledge through completing training courses with an online training provider.Older children develop their creativity and concentration when in small groups they make body parts for an imaginary animal. They use a wide range of media and materials and share their thoughts and ideas with their peers.

Children show excitement as they begin to piece the animal together. Overall, children are supported throughout the activity by staff who engage and enthuse them.Younger children have the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic flair as they make finger paint pictures of hot air balloons and make musical instrument shakers.

They use their shakers enthusiastically as they sing along to songs and rhymes. However, during the day younger children are not able to make independent choices about their play. They are not provided with alternative resources or opportunities to those planned by staff.

Children follow appropriate personal hygiene routines, for example washing their hands after touching the alpacas and before they have their lunch. Parents provide packed lunches and snacks for their children and staff refill children's water bottles when needed. Children take part in wake up, shake up sessions and yoga, which supports their health and well-being.

Parents can access relevant information about the setting on the website. The updated booking form gathers detailed information about children and has links to pertinent information, including the setting's policies. To gather additional information, staff talk to parents about their children when they are signed into the setting on a morning.

Changes to the procedures for children's arrival and departure have improved their safety and support a more accurate recording system.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

Also at this postcode