Elizabeth House

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision does not meet requirements Weaknesses in the leadership and management of the club means that effective steps have not been taken to keep staff safeguarding knowledge up to date.

Some staff are unsure of what to do if they are concerned about another staff member's behaviour towards children. In addition, records used to monitor children's attendance are not completed accurately. To add to this, leaders do not ensure that all staff follow the setting's mobile phone policy.

These weaknesses compromise children's safety and well-being.Despite these weaknesses in practice, children arrive happy and are excited to see their friends. Children are... confident and engage in conversations with staff, visitors, and their friends.

Staff set clear expectations that the children understand and are able to meet. For example, the children are encouraged to help set up resources and tidy up after routine tasks. Additionally, staff make sure that the children fully understand and follow safety instructions when using utensils in the kitchen to make pizza.

Staff are respectful, kind, and caring towards the children. This supports children's emotional well-being effectively. Staff encourage children to use various arts and craft resources, such as paper plates, paint and pipe cleaners to create their art work.

Children are able to focus for extended periods on their chosen activities and follow staff instructions very well.

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

Leaders provide safeguarding training for staff. However, they do not ensure that all staff fully understand or follow the setting's safeguarding policies and procedures.

For example, key members of staff are not fully aware of what to do if they have any concerns about the behaviour of a colleague. In addition, staff do not follow the setting's policy for mobile phones to ensure that their phones are stored in a place that helps to keep children safe. Children's welfare is not adequately promoted.

Leaders and staff do not ensure children's hours of attendance are recorded correctly. This leads to leaders and staff not knowing how many children are present at the setting. Children's safety, such as in the event of a fire evacuation or other emergency, cannot be assured.

Staff consider the varied age range of the children attending and adapt activities to be inclusive for all. For instance, the younger children have access to toys and resources in a separate, dedicated area of the hall, where they can relax and enjoy themselves. Children are independent and enthusiastically lead their play, such as caring for dolls and soft toys and playing board games with staff.

Children play happily together, taking turns and listening to each other's ideas. They understand the routines of the club and behave well.Staff help children to learn how to keep themselves and others safe.

For instance, before children walk back to the club from school, they follow staff instructions and put on a high-visibility vest to ensure they can be clearly seen. Additionally, staff make sure that children learn about road safety and encourage them to hold hands with their friend or a staff member.Staff teach children the importance of being mindful of where they play to avoid hurting others and themselves.

For instance, when children play games with balls, they use a soft ball indoors and keep to the rules of playing in a designated sectioned-off area of the hall. This approach effectively supports the children's emotional and physical health.Leaders and staff understand the importance of working in partnership with teachers, schools that the children attend and parents.

They successfully find out about children's individual needs to help meet them.Staff interact positively with children and are sensitive to their needs. This includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

For example, they provide one-to-one support for children and read stories that support their interest in books. They encourage children to be active in their games and provide a designated space for them to sit and move around comfortably.Leaders provide staff supervision.

However, they have not thoroughly assessed the provision or staff practices to ensure consistent compliance with requirements. The current supervision arrangements have not been fully effective in providing targeted support to help develop practices and identify any gaps in staff's understanding of safeguarding. This said, leaders have a positive attitude and a willingness to improve all areas identified in the inspection.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date ensure all staff follow the setting's safeguarding policies and procedures, particulary those relating to whistle-blowing and mobile phone use 15/07/2024 maintain an accurate daily record of children being cared for on the premises and their hours of attendance 15/07/2024 implement effective supervision arrangements to identify weaknesses and provide staff with relevant support and training to improve their practice.

05/08/2024