Funtastic Kids @ Keep Hatch

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff provide immense emotional support to children, especially those who are new to the club. They gather detailed information about children's experiences and interests and use this to help them settle quickly. Older children follow the good example set by staff and show care and consideration towards the younger ones.

They invite them into their play and remind them of the routines. This helps to build lasting friendships. New children talk passionately about things they like to do, such as dressing up as super heroes and making up stories about them with their friends.

Staff create an exciting and appealing environment... based on children's interests. In particular, children relish their time outdoors in the fresh air. They play tennis, football and learn to throw child-safe javelins.

Children who prefer to engage in quieter activities, enjoy drawing and modelling with play dough. There is a dedicated room available, where children can relax after their busy day at school. This allows children an opportunity to look at books or chat to staff and one another.

Children show a true sense of belonging, knowing that staff value their contributions. Children behave extremely well. They demonstrate impressive manners and understanding of staff's high expectations.

Staff seek children's views on positive behaviour strategies and what they feel is acceptable to do at the club. This includes listening and respecting each other and following the rules to stay safe. Staff and children readily praise everyone's creations.

This helps to raise children's self-esteem and confidence in their own abilities.

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

There is a strong and highly experienced leadership team in place. The provider evaluates the quality of care provided at this club effectively.

Leaders work closely with staff to celebrate strengths and identify areas for further development. For example, the provider is currently working on more effective ways to deploy staff to further enhance the smooth running of the club. In addition, they gain views from parents, children and staff and make changes where appropriate, such as when they bring in resources that children like to explore.

This ensures the changing needs and interests of children are continually met.The provider is committed to providing an inclusive play environment for all children. Parents and class teachers work closely with staff at the club to ensure that they know children's individual needs.

This is evident when the provider puts additional support in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. In this way, all children can fully enjoy the wide range of activities on offer. This encourages children to try new things that they may not have normally experienced.

Staff build strong relationships with the host school. They collaborate very well with teachers when supporting the youngest of children. In particular, they successfully draw on the teacher's support for children who are initially a little anxious.

This ensures all children settle well in the after-school club.Supporting children's emotional well-being and helping them to manage their self-care needs is a key strength of the setting. For example, staff reassure children by reminding them of the daily routine and activities they can choose from before entering the club.

Furthermore, leaders introduce children to all the staff at the start of the session so that they know who will be looking after them.Staff promote children's understanding of how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. They support healthy eating by providing colourful and inviting plates of fruit and salad for children after school.

They encourage children to exercise outdoors, where they practise and refine a variety of physical skills. For instance, children organise mini competitions among themselves and show impressive football and tennis skills. They exert themselves as they run and chase each other and confidently navigate the space around them.

Children follow hygiene practices, such as washing their hands thoroughly before meals. They proudly explain that this routine is 'washing the germs away'.Staff sensitively encourage children to play together cooperatively and challenge themselves.

For example, when children use bats and balls in pairs, they persevere with incredible determination and confidence. With their partner, they choose to increase the distance between them, following their successful passing of the ball to each other.Staff work in partnership with parents to create a two-way flow of information.

Parents have access to a range of information about their child's care and the running of the club. This includes the activities provided, mealtime menus, club rules and policies and procedures. Parents use these details to discuss relevant information with their children to help them be prepared.

In this way, children's health, safety and enjoyment while at the club are promoted well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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