Funtasia Kids Clubs Limited- St Pauls

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children's excitement and chatter fill the air as they arrive at this vibrant club, ready for their end-of-year party. Despite some changes following the COVID-19 pandemic, children show resilience and understand the routines to follow. For example, they know where to put their belongings and to wash their hands on arrival.

Staff get to know children well through an effective key-person system, which helps children to settle and to feel safe. Children approach staff for a hug if they need reassurance. Children show positive attitudes towards their play and engage well in activities and party games.

They enthusiastically jo...in in with dancing and singing along to music, demonstrating good large-muscle skills. Children think of their own dance moves, such as twirling on the spot. They keenly follow the rules while playing 'musical bumps'.

Children tell the inspector that they are moving up to their new class 'in a couple of weeks'. They develop their small-muscle skills while using glue sticks and collage materials to make artwork. Children use their own ideas, for example when creating patterns on paper and drawing pictures of themselves.

They build models using small construction blocks, saying that they are 'building a farmhouse'.

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

Leaders are passionate about the club and explain that they 'want the best for children'. They say that the children and their families are 'at the heart of everything we do'.

Thorough self-evaluation includes the views of staff, children and parents. This helps leaders to continually improve the club.Staff provide children with a variety of activities that complement their learning from school.

For example, children have opportunities to complete their homework and practise their writing and number skills. They access a good range of books in a 'calming area', where they can sit and relax after a busy day in school.Children learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others.

For example, they learn about different festivals and about the make-up of different families. Children are keen to tell the inspector about their home lives. They raise money for charities, for example by baking and selling cakes.

Children learn that these initiatives help others who are less fortunate than themselves.Children are confident individuals and show pride in their achievements. For example, they are eager to show the inspector the models that they make.

Children tell the inspector that their favourite activity at the club is 'drawing'. Snack time is a social event. Staff interact with the children well to promote their speaking skills.

Staff encourage children to choose future activities and events by sharing their ideas and then voting. This helps children to understand how democracy works. Children help to determine the rules to follow while at the club.

This helps them to follow expectations and to have a strong sense of belonging. For example, children decide that they should use 'kind words' and have 'kind hands'.Care practices are good.

Staff promote children's growing independence and follow stringent hygiene routines. Children eat healthy, nutritious foods. They have opportunities for physically active play each day.

These practices help to promote children's good health and their understanding of healthy lifestyles.Leaders provide staff with an effective programme of support and training. This enables staff to further develop their practice.

For example, leaders encourage them to lead their own professional development by thinking about which training to complete. Staff report that leaders support them well. They say that the children brighten their day and that working at the club is like being 'part of a family'.

Partnership working is strong. Leaders create strong links with the schools that children attend. This helps to support children's experiences and continuity of care.

Parents comments are very positive. They say that their children love to attend, and that staff 'always go above and beyond'. Parents like the flexibility that the club offers and say that they 'would be really lost without it'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The premises are safe and secure. Leaders follow robust recruitment procedures to make sure that staff are suitable to work with children.

Staff follow a code of conduct. They access training in safeguarding. Leaders ensure that this knowledge is up to date, for example by holding regular staff meetings and signposting new training.

Staff understand how to protect children from harm and how to keep them safe. They understand the local authority referral procedure, including the steps to take if there were concerns about children's welfare or a colleague's conduct. Staff understand safeguarding issues, including witchcraft and female genital mutilation.

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