Foots Cray OSC Horizon

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enter the setting confidently and are welcomed by the friendly staff.

Children demonstrate a secure understanding of the expectations staff have for them, as they know to hang up their belongings on the designated pegs. Children then immediately begin to explore the range of resources available to them, showing they feel safe and secure in the setting. Children are confident talkers, who enjoy sharing their ideas and experiences with the staff and other children.

Staff listen intently to what children have to say as they engage in regular, back and forth conversations. For example, they engage in discussions about... their age and excitedly talk about in what month they have their birthdays. Children behave well and have high levels of respect for the staff.

They respond promptly to requests made by staff. For example, staff ask the children to line up at the door before going outside. Staff provide support for children, reminding them of the expectations when needed, such as turn taking.

Children benefit from the adult-led activities, such as board games. They show high levels of concentration and focus as they follow the rules to the game. Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their social skills and interact with children of all ages.

Throughout their time at the setting, children are engaged and play cooperatively with one another.

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

The provider is passionate about providing a happy and safe place for children to enjoy while their parents work. She has clear aims for the setting and thoroughly promotes children's independence.

For example, children successfully help themselves to snacks and serve their own tea.Children particularly enjoy playing with shape sorting puzzles. They spend long periods of times creating different patterns.

Staff support children with this, giving them praise and encouragement for their efforts. This helps to support children's confidence and self-esteem.Staff encourage children to be proud of their achievements.

All children have a reward system in place, which is displayed to highlight their positive behaviour. For example, children are rewarded when they are kind towards others and are helpful.Children have opportunities to engage in physical exercise.

For example, they regularly access the large open space within the school grounds, where they can run and climb. Staff deploy themselves well to ensure children are supervised. Children enjoy the freedom of exploring the woodland area.

The provider ensures staff have effective communication with the school. She ensures staff share any necessary information from the setting to the school. Teachers from the school also enter the setting at the start of the after-school session to share information about children.

Communication between professionals is highly effective.Older children act as good role models. They kindly hold the heavier doors open for younger children to pass through.

Children are developing good manners as they say thank you. Older children enjoy the responsibility of preparing tea.The provider supports children to develop good, healthy eating habits.

She offers a wide range of nutritious snacks and meals, including breakfast and tea. She works closely with external agencies to ensure the menu she provides reflects children's likes and a balanced diet. Children have good hygiene habits as they wash their hands before eating.

Parents are happy with the care their children receive and talk positively about the setting. They say the setting and staff are 'brilliant' and that staff know their children very well. Parents comment on how much fun their children have and how they do not want to leave the setting at pick up time.

Staff communicate effectively with parents to share any information about the children's time at the setting.Staff work well together and clearly enjoy caring for children. The provider supports staff's professional development as she encourages them to complete qualifications.

However, there are some less-experienced staff who do not have the same knowledge of how to embed children's understanding. The provider is aware of this and has plans in place to monitor practice. Despite this, children still enjoy attending the setting.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider has robust recruitment procedures in place. She fully understands her responsibility to ensure all suitability checks are carried out before staff work with children.

She ensures staff complete regular online training, including safeguarding and the 'Prevent' duty. Staff have recently completed food hygiene training to accommodate children's individual dietary needs. Staff know the potential symptoms of abuse and know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about children or staff.

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