Littlehampton Beachstars

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are very happy to attend the club.

They show that they are confident, relaxed, feel secure and are independent. For instance, they know where to place their personal belongings and quickly choose their own play. They concentrate on tasks, such as colouring pictures to take home, and making construction models.

Children have fun using their imaginations. For example, they dress up in their favourite costumes and use small-play figures to develop stories. Children are helped to behave well.

They are supported to understand where it is safe to play running games, such as outdoors. They demonstrate a positive... attitude towards their play and are proud of their achievements. For instance, children eagerly show the inspector items they have made with coloured elastic bands.

Younger and older children play harmoniously together. Lots of laughter takes place when they take turns playing popular card games. Children focus for long periods of time, when they join in with the activities provided by staff.

They learn how to successfully use creative materials to make a variety of flowers. Staff demonstrate how they can make petals and discussions help to extend the children's language. Children, excitedly say, 'Look, I made a daffodil.'

Staff praise children's successes. This helps to promote children's self-esteem.

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

The provider highly values the staff and the work they do with the children.

He provides continuous training to help staff have current information to care for children. There is a secure recruitment procedure in place and staff have ongoing supervision meetings to discuss their work and children's welfare. Staff say that they are well supported in their roles.

The provider and staff continually reflect on the service provided. They seek the views of children and implement their ideas about what they want to do. For example, the provider recently purchased new items, such as a toy garage and dinosaurs, as a result of the children's request.

Staff are positive role models and some demonstrate a secure understanding of how children learn. They help children to recall their time at school, such as popular stories, and link this to activities that they choose to do. They build on children's vocabulary and have a loving manner with them.

This helps children to feel secure.Staff help children to develop healthy lifestyles, such as playing outdoors and providing fruit for children to eat. Children know to wash their hands before eating.

They enjoy the social occasion of snack time and chat happily to their friends, staff and visitors while staff serve the food and drinks. The provider is considering ways to involve children more in the preparation of these times to help build on their knowledge about healthy eating.Children say that they like coming to the club and that they have fun.

They show a keen interest in drawing and talk confidently about the pictures that they have coloured in. Children also say that they like being outdoors, where they enjoy playing chasing games and football. This helps to develop their coordination and physical skills and provides them with fresh air.

During good weather, they have picnics outdoors.Staff plan activities that they know the children enjoy, such as making cupcakes and playing with dough. The provider acknowledges that staff could link children's individual interests even more into the planning of activities.

Children celebrate events that are important to them and their families. This helps children to learn about the wider world and to be respectful towards others.There is a positive partnership between the staff and teachers at the school.

Some staff work in the school with the children during the school day. As a result, children's individual needs are well known.Relationships with parents are strong.

Parents say that their children love coming to the club and that they like all the creative items that they make. They say that the staff keep them well informed about their children's day, including by exchanging information from the class teacher.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The provider and staff have a secure understanding of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children. They know the signs and symptoms that may be a cause for concern. Staff are aware of their duty to follow up on concerns as needed.

Staff ensure that any concerns are raised with the designated safeguarding lead and, if needed, appropriate referrals are made to outside agencies. They are confident in their understanding of the referral process to follow. Staff carry out risk assessments and talk to the children about risks as they play, to help them to learn how to keep themselves safe.

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