Olivers Lodge - Saffron Walden

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club. They show they feel safe and develop respectful relationships with staff and each other. Children are keen to show visitors around and proudly share the things they have made.

This includes a small, straw scarecrow and a painted, wooden birdhouse. Children say that they like going to the club as there are lots of things for them to do and they get to make new friends. Children show high levels of curiosity as they engage in activities.

For example, they enjoy taking part in scientific experiments to explore the concepts of 'density' and 'volume'. Children observe how househ...old substances, such as honey, oil and washing-up liquid, react when they mix them together. Young children are given ample time to join in and placed in a position where they can see.

They listen carefully to the instructions and explanations staff provide. Outside, children use their imagination as they pretend to cook meals for staff and add nearby weeds to represent herbs and the flavour of chilli. Children behave well and follow the club rules with ease.

They know they need to walk when indoors, come in for tea when staff ring the bell and sit down as they eat.

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

The manager, although relatively new to the post, has made a positive impact on the club. Her warmth and enthusiasm create an environment where staff feel valued for their contributions and children are confident to share their ideas.

Children are kept safe and secure through the use of robust risk assessments. For example, an electronic entrance system ensures staff only allow authorised persons on to the premises. The procedures for collecting children from three different school sites and monitoring those who attend extracurricular clubs is managed with precision.

Staff recognise their own strengths and are eager to continually develop their skills. They have regular opportunities to meet with the management team to discuss their performance and well-being. Staff have access to a wide selection of training.

The qualified team of staff work very well together. They use clear lines of communication and deploy themselves effectively across the areas children use. This aids the smooth running of the setting and enables children to make choices about how they spend their time.

Staff put a lot of thought and effort into the experiences they provide for children. They each take turns to plan the weekly activities and research ideas to complement their own specialist skills. Staff evaluate the activities at the end of each week to identify ways they can further enhance children's play.

Children become familiar with the daily routines and demonstrate good levels of independence. Upon arrival each day, they hang up their belongings, wash their hands and help themselves to a piece of fruit to eat before they begin play.Staff value each child for their uniqueness and support them to understand how they may be similar or different to others.

For example, they explain to children what it means to be a vegan and involve them in fundraising activities to help support children who may be less fortunate.Children have access to a vast outdoor space each day and opportunities to take part in high levels of physical activity. For instance, during a game of football they run up and down the length of the pitch, eager to score a goal from staff's skilful footwork and passes.

Parents have high praise for the club and say staff manage the different ages of children especially well. They receive regular information about the club and are aware of the different activities children take part in. Some of the ways staff maintain this level of communication is through posting updates to the club website and social media page.

They display information on a notice board and make photographs available for parents to view in the setting.The senior management team have made several attempts to establish relationships with the other settings children attend. However, these have not all been successful.

This does not always enable them to promote the highest level of consistency to support children's care and development.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff continually refresh their knowledge of child protection issues.

They complete regular training and respond to safeguarding questions the manager asks. This helps them to keep alert to the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a child who is at risk. Staff understand their responsibility to promote children's welfare.

They know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about a child or with the practice of another staff member. The systems for staff recruitment, induction and supervision are thorough. This helps to ensure the ongoing suitability of all staff who work with children and that they have the necessary skills to carry out their role effectively.

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