Barbara O’Sullivan’s Holiday Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have a wonderful time at the holiday club. They arrive excited and eager to begin their day as they are warmly welcomed by the friendly and experienced staff. Children separate from their parents with ease and immediately get involved in the activities on offer.

Children relish the opportunity to explore and play outside in the setting's wildlife garden. They race and chase each other, whizzing around paths carved out through the long grass. Older children take care of the youngest children and include them in their games.

They take calculated risks and build their resilience as they clamber up and down a large fa...llen tree and balance on log piles. Children pretend the tree is a steam train or a podium to deliver instructions. They are imaginative and become fully immersed in their make-believe games as they delight in exploring freely.

Children behave well and display good manners. They are kind, courteous and respectful of one another. Children concentrate intently on their chosen activities.

For instance, they spend time working together to create structures with magnetic tiles. Older children instinctively help the younger children solve problems and follow the instructions. They negotiate and listen to each other's views as they decide what they can work on next.

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

The holiday club owner is dedicated to delivering a high-quality provision for all children to enjoy. She evaluates and considers ways to continuously improve the service she offers. Parents and carers comment on how much children love to attend the holiday club, ask to come back year after year and consider it the 'highlight of their summer'.

Staff promote British values of democracy and mutual respect. For example, children take a majority vote to decide on group activities. Children understand this process and staff encourage them to try something to see if they like it.

They ensure all children's views are listened to and respected.Children have opportunities to be creative and take part in a varied range of arts and crafts activities throughout their time at the club. For instance, they decorate plant pots, candle holders and create tie-dye t-shirts.

Children concentrate and focus on designing and making patterns with beads. They take their time to work on their creations and demonstrate pride in their achievements.Mealtimes are a sociable and enjoyable experience.

Children help prepare fruit for snack. They safely use knives to chop apples. Children learn about healthy food choices and the importance of keeping hydrated.

Staff sit together with the children and join their conversations. They laugh and giggle together as they share jokes and challenge each other to solve tricky riddles.Staff get to know children well.

They ensure all children feel comfortable, safe and secure. Children that are new to the club have opportunities to visit the setting and staff before attending. Staff spend time talking to children about their interests, likes and dislikes.

They ensure they find out information about each child from their school and parents to best support each individual child's needs.The club owner plans a day that allows children time to lead their own play. She encourages children to be inclusive and take part in each other's games.

For example, children invent a treasure hunt for their friends to follow. They lead their friends on an adventure outside and around the play equipment as they look for clues together. Children cheer and applaud their friends for inventing such a fun experience.

They play together as a group and form close bonds with one another.Staff have clear and consistent expectations for children's behaviour. They take time at the beginning of the day to explain the rules of the club.

Staff give children clear information about the routine and structure of the day. Staff use positive techniques to support the younger children to understand the importance of sharing and taking turns. As a result, children know what staff expect of them and behave well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The safety of children is of the highest priority to the owner and her staff. They ensure children have a firm understanding of the procedures they must follow to keep safe, such as practising fire drills and checking their understanding of emergency lockdown procedures.

The owner and staff ensure the premises are risk assessed and are diligent in their aim to minimise hazards. They are aware of the signs that indicate a child may be at risk of abuse. Staff know what to do to report any concerns they may have about a child's welfare or the conduct of adults working with children.