Funtastic Kids @ King’s Academy Binfield

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have lots of fun in their large outdoor area. They develop their balancing skills by walking on pots with ropes.

They climb on log stacks, laughing with friends. This helps them to learn about taking small risks and provides an opportunity to have plenty of exercise. Children enjoy games and sand play on the outdoor pirate ship.

They play supermarkets in the home corner area, developing their imaginations and knowledge about the world. Staff supervise children exceptionally well. They encourage all children to develop positive relationships with each other, while offering plenty of challenge through well-planned a...ctivities.

Children behave exceptionally well and create rules for their club. They confidently explain the importance of being kind to each other and sharing. Positive behaviours are reinforced by staff giving cards, which celebrate children's excellent behaviour.

Children proudly show adults their artistic creations on the wall and select a wide range of materials to create with. They settle quickly at the club when they first start and develop high levels of confidence to explore and play. Children are extremely adaptable to any changes of routine, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

They have recently spent more time outside and eat meals in their class bubbles, helping to reduce the risk of infection.

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

Children are given lots of healthy options at snack time and teatime to choose from. They try new foods and staff support them to develop very good manners.

For example, they thank staff and clear away their plates after they have finished.Children happily discuss the activities they enjoy. They report a recent favourite was creating fireworks pictures, then making edible firework treats to take home and enjoy.

Children also happily discuss how they made 'sparkly witches' potions' to take home at Halloween.Children have opportunities to learn about the importance of celebrating differences. They make lanterns and learn about the festival of Diwali.

They also observe anti-bullying week, wearing odd socks to show it is alright to be different. However, staff do not routinely find out information about children's culture in a timely manner, when they first start. This means they do not know children as well as they could to plan for their care.

Parents, and the headteacher of the school which the club supports, speak highly of the setting. They value the flexible hours and wonderful activities the children enjoy. Parents report children are reluctant to leave as they are having so much fun.

They say their children feel safe in the setting and look forward to going there.Senior managers are passionate about planning across the organisation, making sure children's activities complement what they learn at school. The supervisor supports children with their early literacy skills and helps with their reading books regularly.

The setting also offers a homework club on Wednesdays for staff to support children to complete their work.Staff are encouraged to do a variety of training to develop their knowledge and skills. For example, the supervisor has recently developed her managerial skills at a training event.

The newest staff member is currently working towards a level 3 qualification. All regular staff are expected to keep their paediatric first-aid qualification up to date, which helps keep children safe from harm.The setting organises special visits for children, which give them enriching experiences to learn about the awe and wonder of the natural world.

Children meet birds of prey and reptiles and learn about them from visiting experts. They also enjoy watching chrysalides grow into butterflies and grow their own fruits and vegetables.The provider and manager regularly evaluate how well the setting is doing with the team.

The supervisors from the breakfast- and after-school club communicate daily to make sure they are working in partnership effectively. Questionnaires are sent to parents and children to gain their views. There are plans next year to extend the provision of sporting activities as part of the main offer to parents and children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have regular opportunities to develop their knowledge about many aspects of keeping children safe. They discuss different causes for concern at team meetings, and how they would address them.

Staff all know the correct reporting procedures if they have concerns about a child. The senior management team have recently reviewed their arrangements for the safe recruitment of new staff following a training day. All staff are diligent in completing risk assessments of the environment.

They teach children to manage small risks, such as using scissors and riding scooters. Attendance is recorded meticulously. Non-attendance is quickly followed up to make sure children are safe.

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