Oatlands Funclub

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The club is led by a very strong managers. Their commitment and enthusiasm to providing the best they can for children is admirable. Children are extremely happy and settled.

On arrival, they eagerly enter the club and confidently put away their bags and coats, and sit down in preparation for circle time. Children develop their confidence and self-esteem as they excitedly share their news with the rest of the group. Children behave exceptionally well.

They are polite and well mannered. For instance, children say 'excuse me' and 'thank you' without any prompting. They play cooperatively with their friends.

For exam...ple, children work together to make a bed for their doll. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. They support children effectively and use gentle reminders as needed.

For instance, staff remind children to use their 'listening ears' and 'indoor voices' in the club. Staff interact well with children and get down to their level to play. Children listen well to the instructions given by staff.

They clearly understand routines and what is expected of them.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents do not currently enter the premises. On arrival, parents ring a bell and staff take children to the door.

This helps to keep children safe.

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

Children take part in different cultural activities throughout the year. For instance, children enjoy making a dragon's head from recycling materials.

They use this in a procession around the club when they learn about Chinese New Year.Children follow good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating. Mealtimes are sociable times.

All children select what they would like from the healthy and nutritious range of food on offer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff served the food to children. However, now these restrictions have now been lifted, children confidently select their own food using tongs and spoons.

Staff follow clear processes to ensure that children's dietary requirements are fully met.Children are eager to participate in activities and make independent choices from a superb range of resources and play materials. They show high levels of imagination during their everyday play.

For instance, children take it in turns to be the 'poorly dog' visiting the vet's practice. Children's creative skills further support their imaginative play. For example, children make shields and swords as they pretend to be a knight.

Managers have rigorous recruitment and induction processes in place. This helps to ensure that the club has a committed and competent workforce. The manager provides regular one-to-one meetings for all staff.

This provides them with the opportunity to discuss the children they care for, their roles and responsibilities and their training needs. Staff feel well supported and comment that the leadership team are 'supportive' and 'approachable'.Partnerships with parents are good.

Parents comment that they are kept well informed about children's activities through the electronic parents' portal. They talk positively about the quality of the care that their children receive. Parents say that they have a lot of confidence in the staff and describe them as 'amazing'.

The manager and staff continually reflect on the effectiveness of the club and set areas to improve upon. For example, they are keen to continue to develop their environment and resources outdoors. Children and parents contribute to the evaluation of the club through discussions.

Children have daily opportunities to be outdoors in the fresh air. They are active and have a large area in which to run around. Children also use a wide range of physical play equipment and resources.

This helps to support their good health and helps to develop their muscles and coordination.Partnership working with the host school is excellent. Staff communicate effectively with teachers and competently relay messages from parents.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported in the club. Staff work with teachers and parents to ensure that their individual needs are met.Children are keen to share their views about the club.

They describe staff as 'kind' and 'friendly'. Children talk enthusiastically about their favourite activities and say they like being with their friends.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Managers and staff complete regular safeguarding training. As a result, they have a good knowledge of the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. This includes broader safeguarding issues, such as exposure to extreme views.

Staff know the procedures to follow if they become concerned about a child's welfare or safety. The manager and staff place high importance on keeping children safe. They assess risks thoroughly to make sure that the indoor and outdoor areas used by children are safe and suitable for their needs.

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