Little Oaks Wrap Around Care at Belchamp St. Paul School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children benefit from the inclusive and friendly atmosphere created by the leaders. Children arrive happy and ready to play, quickly settling into their chosen activities.

New children receive a welcome induction on their first session. Leaders explain where to find things, what is available for children to do, the food on offer and about outdoor play. Leaders talk about the rules that help children to stay safe and to be kind and considerate to others.

This helps children to make relationships with the leaders and helps them to understand what to expect. Children behave extremely well. They are chatty, well mannered and p...olite to each other, the leaders and visitors.

Alongside this they laugh and have fun together. Children are excited by the innovative topics that the leaders develop from ideas and suggestions that the children make. The topic on mythical creatures and their habitats inspires creativity in the children.

Good use is made of the outdoor environment. Children and leaders spend time exploring areas around plants trying to find snails. Although they appear to have moved on, there is plenty of interest in the worms and beetles that they find.

Leaders take the time to talk with children, they use a wide vocabulary and check children's understanding of new and unfamiliar words.

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

Leaders are extremely knowledgeable. They have a clear and ambitious vision for the setting.

They explain and demonstrate how they deliver this for children and their families.Leaders have a wealth of knowledge and experience in education, and they use this to excellent effect in planning and delivering an inspiring range of experiences for children of all ages.Leaders ensure that visitors are clear about security measures, making sure they sign in and that their identity is checked.

This helps them to ensure the safety of children. They ensure children understand how to behave safely and responsibly in the setting. Leaders provide exciting games outdoors using torches.

This helps children to demonstrate their careful and responsible attitude to looking after resources, as they sign out the numbered torches. Children know that this helps them to keep track of the equipment and prevents loss.Children have plenty to contribute and leaders are eager to hear children's ideas.

They encourage them to articulate their suggestions to others. Children enjoy looking at the examples of maps and mythical creatures that are the theme for the week. The theme developed from children's experiences of maps, map reading and history in school.

Leaders' knowledge of the current school curriculum helps them to support children to further their learning through recreational activities.Leaders discuss online safety with some of the older children. They listen attentively to what children say about their experiences.

Together they talk about the risks and poor behaviour of some people online, and explain the importance of restrictions for safety. This shows that there are trusting relationships, which help children to feel confident and secure.Parents speak highly of the setting.

They appreciate the opportunities for children to learn through play. Parents identify new knowledge that their children gain as a result of attending. They value the leaders' friendly efficiency and professional approach, and the broad range of experiences available to all children.

Leaders organise the setting well. They work closely with the schools, parents and other agencies. They evaluate their work and make plans for improving and developing the setting.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Leaders have secure safeguarding knowledge. They attend training to help them keep up to date with the latest information about their roles and responsibilities.

Leaders understand the potential risks to children and the possible signs of harm. They know about the systems to use to report concerns and to monitor any ongoing worries. Leaders work very closely with the schools that children attend in order to keep them safe.

Also at this postcode