Funzone At Feckenham

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have highly positive attitudes to their learning and play. They are extremely engaged in the environment, which is stimulating and inviting for all ages of children. Children enjoy their time together and laugh along with each other at the Christmas disco.

They admire the flashing lights and have lots of fun as they play musical statues. Children share and take turns as they play social games together, such as snakes and ladders. Children encourage and motivate one another.

They demonstrate high levels of respect for each other as they share their ideas. They work together to build a racetrack, car garage and the ...'Great Wall of China' using a range of resources. Children have vast opportunities to follow their own interests, and staff support them to extend their own ideas.

For example, staff take children outside to look at the moon when they ask. They then work together as a team to research what type of moon it is and learn the technical name. Children feel safe and secure to express their own emotions, because they know that staff listen and respond tenderly to their feelings.

For example, if children get upset when they have not finished their activity by home time, staff provide comfort and support to them. Staff label children's emotions and allow them to take their activities home and borrow resources from the setting.

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

Managers are passionate about creating a safe and homely environment.

The close-knit team works efficiently together to create a supportive and stimulating setting for all children that attend. Staff are knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities in caring for children. They show their passion through the extensive training they access to continually better the provision.

Staff report high levels of support and feel that, rather than a business, it is a 'family'.The key-person system is effective. Children form incredible bonds with the staff team.

Children make progression in their behaviour, confidence and independence. They learn how to become social and begin making friendships. Children learn how to resolve conflicts themselves.

They make compromises and think of their own ways of doing things. Staff work in partnership with the school to work on children's next steps. This helps children to progress in all areas of their development.

Children become increasingly independent. They enjoy managing their own self-care needs, putting their own shoes and coats on and thinking of ideas for themselves. Children help themselves to snack.

They butter their own toast and choose whether they want to spread any jam. They confidently peel and cut their own fruit. Children learn that a healthy lifestyle is reflected by moderation.

They discuss sugar and salt intake and how this can affect organs in the body. They understand how oral hygiene is a top priority to keep teeth healthy and rot free. Children learn about how exercise benefits them, keeps the heart beating and encourages healthy muscles.

Children learn that nature and fresh air benefit their mental health. They learn about sustainability and how to care for the environment around them. They take time to recycle and protect the environment by turning off lights and recycling plastics.

Children learn how to express their emotions effectively and how to be compassionate to others. Children show great kindness to their peers. They choose to read books to one another and help to pick their friends up when they have fallen down.

Children learn to celebrate one another's achievements. They write words of encouragement and praise when their peers have got their swimming badge or 'player of the match' in football.Children learn about similarities and differences in their community.

They celebrate different festivals and learn from each other's backgrounds. For example, they receive yasuiqian, red envelopes to represent safety and peace, when learning about and celebrating Chinese New Year. Children make stained glass tea lights for the festival of lights, Diwali, and create their own shortbread to learn about Scotland on Burns Night.

Children are proud to stand up and tell facts about their heritage.School and parent partnerships are highly effective. Parents report that they feel supported and know their children are happy, safe and educated in the setting's care.

Staff maintain strong relationships with the school. They work collaboratively with them and share key information about children to complement their care and learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

There is a strong culture of safeguarding throughout the before- and after-school club which seeks to eliminate all risks of harm against the children they care for. Managers and staff have strong knowledge of signs and symptoms that may indicate various types of abuse and child protection matters. Robust procedures are in place to ensure a concern is reported effectively and in a timely manner.

Managers endeavour to create a 'safe space' for all children to discuss their emotions and home lives. They form trusting relationships with children where they can openly talk about their concerns. Children's health and well-being are assured.

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