Funtastik (Baildon Child Care Co-operative Ltd)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy and at ease in the safe and welcoming environment. They demonstrate self-esteem and confidence while leading their own play.

Children are eager to take part in a broad range of activities which staff plan well around their interests and learning in school. Children enjoy the positive interactions from the motivating and friendly staff, who effectively foster their emotional well-being and sense of belonging. Children have great fun expressing their own ideas during stimulating craft activities.

When the club closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff kept in close contact with families. This helped to su...pport children's emotional well-being in readiness for their return and kept parents well informed about the club and any changes. For example, parents received emails and newsletters, which they continue to do so.

Staff provided resource packs for children and linked closely with the host school to complement the information that they were sharing with parents. Children behave well and respond to staff's requests, such as lining up to choose their snack, taking turns on the games console and finding their lunch box. Children are kind, polite and respectful to one another; something that staff model exceptionally well.

Children are highly sociable as they link up to share experiences.

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

Staff effectively reinforce the essential skills and attitudes that children require for successful learning in school. They provide activities which motivate children, sustain their engagement and help them to develop new knowledge.

For example, children learn about the human body. They explore model skeletons and staff help to reinforce learning through follow-up quizzes.Staff help to build on children's early literacy and mathematical skills in consultation with the children's Reception teacher.

They write children's names on paintings, encouraging them to sound out letters, and provide resources, such as stencils. Staff introduce mathematics during craft activities and games.Staff encourage children to develop independence.

They use the clock to reinforce daily routines with new children, such as mealtimes. This supports children to understand what to expect and when, which helps to foster their sense of security.Staff help children to grow in confidence and enhance their enjoyment through their own enthusiasm.

They model different painting techniques and children have immense fun creating interesting patterns. Children use different types of resources, such as sponge brushes, plastic forks, bubble wrap and mini pompoms.Children settle easily.

Staff gather some information from parents and other providers to support new starters. For example, they find out about children's interests, likes and dislikes. However, staff do not consistently gather information which is broad enough to provide an even clearer picture of new children and plan for their specific individual needs.

Staff follow children's ideas and expand on these. For example, as children mould 'lollipops' out of soft modelling clay, staff help them to find craft materials to make lollipop sticks. Children confidently talk about what else they are making.

They link their ideas to home experiences, such as baking with their parents and having a birthday party.Staff demonstrate to children that their work is valued and children thrive on staff's praise and encouragement. For example, staff take photographs of children's achievements, which children are clearly proud of and share with parents.

Staff help children to learn about aspects of living a healthy lifestyle. They provide ample fresh air and exercise through exciting outings and activities, such as bowling and using physical apparatus. This also helps children to take appropriate risks and challenges to promote their physical and emotional health.

There is, however, scope for staff to further reinforce messages to children about healthy eating, in partnership with parents.Staff provide ample activities designed to foster children's friendships, social skills and a respect for one another's differences. Children help to set the club's rules, which helps them to fully understand and follow the expectations for their behaviour.

Staff's qualifications and continued professional development have a positive impact on the quality of children's experiences and their welfare. The provider and staff continually evaluate and improve practice. Parents and children are highly involved in sharing their views.

For example, through questionnaires. Feedback from parents is highly complimentary.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The provider has robust recruitment and vetting arrangements to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. Staff have a secure understanding of a broad range of possible signs of abuse and of how to report any concerns they may have. They regularly update their safeguarding training and the manager reinforces staff's knowledge.

For example, through quizzes during staff meetings. Staff undertake effective risk assessments to ensure that children can play freely in a safe and secure environment. Staff use the snack time routine to reinforce safety practices within the club, such as the emergency evacuation procedures.

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