Moor Lane Short Breaks

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their trip to the seaside that took place on the day of the inspection. They explore the sea and the beach with freedom and show that they feel safe and secure.

For example, children lie in the water and laugh as they run through the water. Some children are anxious as they wade into the sea for the first time, and adults encourage, support and reassure them. This builds their resilience and confidence.

Young children focus for long periods as they use their senses to explore the sea. They look at and touch their reflection in the water with fascination. They show huge excitement as they splash in... the water, feel the droplets on their face and lick their hands to taste the saltiness of the sea.

Older children draw pictures in the sand and enjoy the feeling of the sand as adults pile it on top of their hands.Staff are kind and patient and have high expectations of children's behaviour. They use a variety of calming strategies and help children learn about sharing and taking turns.

As a result, children behave very well. They respond positively to the routines and boundaries in place to keep them safe. Children form warm relationships with staff members, and this supports their emotional well-being.

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

The manager of the centre is an inspirational leader and highly skilled practitioner. She is committed to doing the best for children and ensures her team are well trained and know everything possible about the children they support. For instance, she observes children in the classroom, attends multi-agency meetings and works with parents to create personal profiles for children.

As a result, children receive a highly specialised level of care and support at the centre.Staff are caring and very experienced in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They attend daily meetings where they find out detailed information about children they look after.

Staff learn about children's needs and interests, and this ensures that there is continuity of care for the children who attend.When children return to the centre after their trip, they have the opportunity to play and explore. Staff follow the children's interests, support children in their play and help them build the key skills they need in life.

For instance, staff motivate children as they use climbing equipment and give them help when they need it. This builds children's confidence and self-esteem.The manager is vigilant in her practice to keep children safe.

Detailed risk assessments are carried out before children go on an outing, and there are procedures in place at the centre that help ensure children are kept safe on site.For instance, the door to the main building is secured with a key code.Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe when they are at the seaside.

For example, adults explain why they need to get closer to the shore as the tide comes in.Children are very well supported with their communication and language difficulties. They are given visual aids that help them understand what will happen when they go out in preparation for a trip.

This helps to alleviate their anxiety. Adults communicate with children using words, sign language and visuals. Children are confident to express their wants and needs, using words and gestures.

There are strong partnerships with parents. They say that the service 'brings great enjoyment to the children attending' and that the staff are 'kind and loving'. They state that the children have the opportunity to develop their social skills and build their confidence.

There are a wide range of resources at the centre that are appropriate for children's age and stage of development. Children learn about a variety of festivals throughout the year, like Diwali and Chinese New Year. However, the centre could build on resources that reflect children's backgrounds to help build their self-esteem and further prepare them for life in modern Britain.

Staff support children's physical development very well. For instance, children jump on the trampoline, run on the beach and develop good climbing skills in the outdoor play area. Staff engage with the children and play ball games and jump with them on the bouncy castle.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The nominated individual and manager maintain a robust recruitment procedure to ensure that all staff are suitable to care for children, and they check their ongoing suitability. Staff receive an intensive induction when they start.

Staff regularly update their training and are knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities relating to child protection. They have a good understanding of signs and symptoms that would cause them concern. Policies and procedures are in place, and staff have a clear understanding of how to report concerns for children and of whistle-blowing.