New Forest Child Care Foxhills

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The staff are very kind and nurturing and children of all ages look forward to attending the club. For example, younger children greet staff with enthusiasm.

They eagerly talk about their day as they walk through the school to their base room. Older children receive a warm welcome by staff on arrival and demonstrate high levels of self-esteem. All children welcome visitors into their setting and are keen to tell the inspector about the many activities they take part in.

They comment that they particularly enjoy the craft and art activities and the wonderful outdoor spaces that they can use each day. Children are independen...t and eagerly select the games or toys that they want to play with. Younger children choose art materials and discuss the characters they are drawing with interest.

The older children take a vote and decide together what they would like to do. They use their imaginative skills as they play active games with their peers. Children behave well.

They show high levels of compassion and listen to the ideas of others. When small disputes occur, staff sensitively support children, to help them resolve their minor conflicts in a kind way. This helps children to learn important future life skills.

Throughout the session, children show they care about their friends. There is a constant sound of joyful discussions.

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

Staff know children well.

They plan activities of interest and provide a range of materials and resources for children to be creative with. For example, children made their own play dough and had great fun experimenting with flour and water. They focused intently and showed high levels of curiosity as they explored the changing textures, making ice cream cones and chocolate milkshakes.

Staff give children time to express their ideas and do not interrupt them unnecessarily. This helps to build on children's friendships. For example, children expressed their own views and played cooperatively with their peers as this activity evolved throughout the session.

The manager values her good relationship with parents. She shares information, for example, through daily discussions, digital messages and social media to ensure continuity of care. Parents are highly complimentary about the staff and the wide range of activities they provide.

They comment on how much their children enjoy attending the club and how staff support children's well-being by talking to them about any worries or problems they may have.The manager deploys staff well to ensure the effective supervision of children. Staff know when to take action to minimise any risks to children and carry a walkie talkie to communicate messages to one another.

They encourage children to think about their own personal safety. For example, children understand they must not use the outdoor play apparatus when it is wet.The manager makes thorough evaluations of the service that she provides.

For instance, she has introduced a children's council to help seek information about children's individual thoughts and acts on their ideas to improve activities at the club. The manager recognises she could build on this area even further, in particularly for those children new to the club. For instance, there are fewer opportunities for children to share information on their home experiences and cultural backgrounds with staff and their new friends.

Staff comment that they enjoy working at the club and feel supported. They benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills.The manager effectively uses feedback from staff at the host schools to help benefit children.

She ensures that she knows what the children are learning about in school and helps them to continue their interests at the club.Children know their routines well. They wash their hands on arrival at the club, collect their plate and engage in conversations as they sit down ready for their healthy snack.

Staff make good use of group talks, such as at snack time, to help children think about the importance of about being healthy. For example, they engage children in discussions about the importance of regular exercise and making balanced food choices. Children recall running around the golden mile track within the school grounds and discuss the different fruits they enjoy with their yogurts.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and staff have a good understanding of safeguarding and the procedures to follow to help protect children from harm. They know what to do if they become concerned about the conduct of a colleague.

Staff use rigorous risk assessments to ensure children's safety and hygiene throughout their time at the club. When collecting children from school, staff supervise them well. The provider has robust safer recruitment and induction processes to help ensure the continued suitability of staff.

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