Funtastic Kids @ Loddon

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive excitedly and happily at this club.

They cleanse their hands before eating food and sit socially together with a member of staff during mealtimes. Children confidently share their news and what they have been doing during the day. They listen to instructions well and their manners and behaviour are exemplary.

Children are developing good skills for the future. Staff arrange toys and resources well. This enables children to have independent access to activities, which suit their interests and needs.

For example, staff know that young children like to play with the jigsaws, while older children enjoy... role play using construction toys. Children clearly know the resources that are on offer and confidently ask for additional toys from the cupboard. Staff provide opportunities for children to relax after a busy day, such as by reading books in the quiet area that they have created.

Children form good friendships with one another.Many of the children have a real interest in creating things and confidently discuss with friends what they are making. Children count the number of stickers on their artwork and keenly share their creations with each other.

They develop strong bonds with staff, who are extremely caring and always put children's safety and well-being at the heart of everything they do. Children show they feel safe and secure.

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

Staff give children time to think of their own ideas and value their opinions.

They encourage children to think about how they can adapt an activity. Children excitedly try using paper instead of card when fixing the hour and minute hands onto the wristwatch they are making. They feel proud of their achievements and enjoy the praise they receive.

Children learn to become critical thinkers.Leaders and staff are very organised, ensuring the club runs efficiently. The manager routinely monitors staff practice and regularly completes audits to monitor the quality of the club.

Parents regularly complete a questionnaire. Their views are important, and any appropriate changes are noted and actioned. Staff discuss their training needs during regular supervision meetings.

They comment that they enjoy their work and feel valued and part of a team where their ideas are welcomed.Staff know the children well. The key-person system is effective.

Young children are consistently cared for by familiar staff, who demonstrate they thoroughly enjoy working at the club. Children's emotional well-being is supported effectively. For example, staff take the time to listen to children and offer comfort if they need reassurance.

Children who speak English as an additional language are supported well. Staff work closely together with teaching staff of the host school in sharing strategies to support language. This helps to ensure children's individual needs are effectively met.

Staff help children to have a positive experience while at the club. All children are well supported, they enjoy themselves.Parents speak highly of the club and appreciate the good communication that exists.

Comments include, 'When I pick my children up, I always observe how content they are. They have established great friends at the club. Staff have a great understanding of their needs and know them well, which brings me comfort.

I would always recommend the club.' Staff support children to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy nutritious snacks that cater to all children's individual dietary needs.

They also have access to outdoor play, where they play energetically using a wide range of resources. Children learn the importance of being healthy and active. Staff enjoy joining in with the children's games.

For example, children decide they want to draw a map to find their 'treasure'. Staff join children in their fun, finding the treasure hidden around the playground.Children's behaviour is excellent.

All children are kind and caring towards each other. They demonstrate this when they invite each other into their games. Children help to devise the club rules, which helps them to take ownership of their actions and behaviours.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.All staff have a good understanding of their responsibility to safeguard children, which includes how to report a concern about an adult working with children. They clearly recognise the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk from harm or abuse and know the procedures to follow.

Staff receive regular safeguarding training, including about the 'Prevent' duty. Robust recruitment procedures are in place along with rigorous ongoing checks to ensure the suitability of staff. Staff supervise children closely and ensure they are safe and feel secure.

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