Little Munchkins Children’s Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happy and eager to see their friends at the club. They are able to choose from a wide range of games, toys and activities on offer, both indoors and outdoors.

Children benefit from the warm and close relationships they build with kind and caring staff. They develop a strong sense of belonging at the club. Children behave well and understand the simple rules of behaviour within the club and consistently follow them.

These rules include sharing, taking turns and being respectful to others. Older children are kind and patient with younger ones, encouraging them to join in their play. Children develop a good un...derstanding of the importance of good hygiene.

They use hand gel when they arrive at the setting and wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the session. Children are confident and demonstrate they feel safe in the club. They approach visitors with confidence and engage them in discussions about their positive experiences in the club.

Children are keen to talk about how much they enjoy attending the club. They comment, 'We love it here, the staff are really nice', 'I like the activities and games' and 'We had great fun doing the talent show last week'.

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

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club has reviewed its arrangements for the arrival and departure of children to reduce contact.

Parents say they are happy with the changes and support the new arrangements.Staff are positive role models for the children. They are polite and respectful to the children and each other.

Children's behaviour is managed well. Staff are consistent in their approach and speak to children in a calm and sensitive manner. Consequently, children's behaviour throughout is good and any minor conflicts are quickly resolved.

Prior to children starting at the club, staff find out from parents about children's interests and stage of development. This helps staff to engage new children in activities they enjoy from the onset. Staff support children to practise the skills they are developing in school.

For example, children learn how to manipulate small tools safely, such as scissors, as they cut. Outdoors, when playing with different sized balls, staff encourage them to throw 'under' and 'over' and to catch with both hands. Children relax in the cosy, quiet area with easily accessible books, linked to their current interests.

This helps to support their developing literacy skills.Staff are very enthusiastic about their work and ensure that children enjoy a good range of fun and challenging experiences. Outdoors, children enjoy high-energy play in the fresh air.

They develop their physical skills as they climb, balance and take part in chasing games. Attentive staff stay close by and reassure them as they learn to use more challenging equipment safely.Staff encourage children's independence and self-care skills well.

For example, children are responsible for looking after their own belongings, such as hanging up their bags and coats on arrival. Healthy lifestyles are promoted well. A nutritious range of snacks and home-cooked meals are provided by the on-site cook, which include a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

However, staff do not always plan snack and lunchtime routines well enough so children are left waiting unnecessarily, while routine tasks are carried out.The manager and her team are fully committed to continuous improvement of the club. The club's self-evaluation is robust, which enables staff to successfully plan, prioritise and implement changes.

The manager supervises and reviews staff performance on a regular basis. She provides a focused programme of training to develop their knowledge and refresh their skills. The health and well-being of the staff is of high importance to the manager, who supports them in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Parents are highly complimentary about the club. Their comments include, 'My child is safe and happy' and 'my child loves it here'. They say their children sometimes request to attend additional sessions as they enjoy their time at the club so much.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Daily risk assessments are undertaken by the staff to make sure all areas of the premises are safe. The security of the premises is maintained at all times and children are closely supervised.

The manager and her staff have a good understanding of the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They know when and where to refer any concerns they may have about the welfare of a child. The provider follows safer recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children.

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