Busy Living at Elangeni

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are excited to arrive at the club and meet their friends.

They are pleased to see the friendly staff when they collect them from their classrooms. Children laugh and smile as they happily chat to one another about their days and the things they are looking forward to. They demonstrate that they are settled and feel secure.

New children receive support from staff to get to know where things are and understand the routine and rules.Children are confident and eager to join in with the wide range of experiences on offer at the club. They enjoy being able to choose what they would like to do.

For example, chil...dren play with sand, build structures with wooden blocks, paint pictures and play group games. They have plenty of opportunity to be physically active and engage in energetic activities. For instance, children have lots of fun chasing each other as they play a game called 'You can cross my bridge'.

Older children are kind and considerate of the younger children that attend. They explain the rules to the group and support the younger children to get involved. Children negotiate and work together to ensure they each have a turn to call out instructions.

They listen to one another and make sure everyone feels included.

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

Staff take time each day to gather children together and hold discussions in order for children to get to know one another. They find interesting ways for children to learn each other's names, such as making an animal sound and copying each other when their name is called.

Staff use this group time to check children's knowledge of safety procedures, rules and routines.Staff encourage children to express themselves and celebrate their talents and creations. For instance, children take part in creating a scrapbook to send to the royal family during the period of mourning for the Queen.

Children contribute drawings, collages, paintings and letters. They learn about the traditions and customs of the monarchy. Staff answer children's questions and respond to their thoughts compassionately and in an age-appropriate manner.

Staff promote positive behaviour well. They model good manners and a respectful attitude. When children struggle, staff sensitively support them to share resources and understand the importance of taking turns.

They help children to talk about their emotions and understand how others might feel. Staff's gentle approach helps children to harmoniously resolve conflicts and quickly return to their play.Children take pride in the opportunities staff give them to be independent and responsible.

For instance, they relish the task of helping prepare food for snack. Children chop vegetables and grate cheese as they carefully use the cooking utensils independently. Staff support them to follow good hygiene routines and discuss the importance of making healthy choices.

Leaders are highly reflective and frequently evaluate what works well and where they can make improvements to the club. They take account of children's opinions and the views of staff when planning activities. Children contribute their ideas for activities and help decide on the resources purchased.

This results in children feeling valued and respected and fosters their sense of belonging in the club.Staff get to know children during their time at the club. They have systems in place for parents to share information about their children.

This ensures staff know about any additional requirements children may have. However, parents are not always aware of who their child's key person is. Leaders acknowledge that there is scope to improve their key-person system and build stronger relationships between the staff and parents to meet the individual needs of the youngest children.

Leaders are dedicated to ensuring their staff receive effective support to carry out their roles. They provide staff with training and opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. Leaders monitor staff performance through regular supervision and appraisal meetings.

They ensure they check on staff's well-being through conversations and questionnaires. Leaders recognise the impact that a happy, well-trained and dedicated workforce has on providing high standards of care for children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff understand how to keep children safe. They know what to do if they have concerns about the welfare of a child. Staff are aware of the signs and symptoms that a child may be suffering from abuse or at risk of harm.

They receive regular safeguarding training in order that they have good knowledge of the procedures they must follow. Leaders carry out effective recruitment processes to ensure the suitability of those working with children. They place a high priority on risk assessing and minimising hazards to children, both on the site and when collecting children from the infant school.

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