Sussex Kids Hub

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 setting. There is a busy, lively and engaging atmosphere. Parents report how much their children enjoy attending.

One parent described their child as 'beaming all the way home' after a day at the setting. Another parent noted how children come home from the setting 'with huge smiles on their faces'. Children benefit from the very nurturing, caring and homely environment, which staff work hard to create.

Every child is valued, and their unique needs are fully understood and respected by staff. Children feel confident to suggest their own ideas for activities, as they know staff wi...ll listen to them. For example, on the day of the inspection, one child was delighted when staff welcomed her idea to create a 'show' for the children to take part in.

Children grow in confidence as staff encourage them to try new things. Staff create an environment where every child can flourish, make friends and learn new skills. Staff show real care and sensitivity so that children who need extra support can freely take part.

One parent said that her child was 'raving' about the activities and seems to have grown in confidence since attending.Children behave exceptionally well. They are busy, engaged and having fun.

Staff play alongside children and encourage positive relationships and the building of friendships. Team games and group activities encourage younger and less-confident children to develop positive relationships with older or more-confident children. The care and respect all children show towards one another is good and results in a very welcoming, inclusive and harmonious environment.

Children settle into the setting quickly. Leaders work closely with parents. They jointly agree any strategies they might need to make sure that every child has a happy and positive experience.

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

Leaders use their expertise in teaching and supporting children's play and learning to create an enjoyable, creative and very happy environment. Activities are purposeful and based on what staff know children enjoy doing. They offer relevant challenge to engage children but also skilfully adapt the daily programme so that every child, irrespective of their age and abilities, can take part.

Staff prepare an interesting range of activities that are based on their knowledge of what children enjoy doing. For example, in response to a child's interest in the Spider-Man character, children used wool to create 'webs' and encourage imaginative play. Themed weeks are organised to help build on children's knowledge.

For example, children learned about 'People who help us' and enjoyed a visit from a doctor who spoke about their role.Staff teach children well and encourage them to be inquisitive and interested to find out more. For example, staff hide bones as part of activities linked to a theme of dinosaurs and encourage children to 'excavate' them and undertake a fossil hunt.

Children are actively encouraged to play and work together collaboratively. Older children are kind, patient and respectful of the younger children. During team games and large-group activities, older children are mindful of their behaviour and actions.

They support younger children well and show them new and different ways to do things.The setting is managed extremely well. Leaders fully understand the role in keeping children safe and providing for a wide range of needs, abilities and interests.

Staff are carefully chosen for their personal skills and experience in working with children of all ages. Staff training is given high priority so that those working directly with the children fully understand, and consistently implement, the setting's organisational policies and procedures. This contributes towards keeping children safe and making sure that the setting always operates effectively.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Leaders place a high priority on keeping children safe. They are vigilant in checking for any changes in a child's well-being and take prompt action if they have concerns.

Staff follow written procedures clearly and seek help when it is needed. Leaders and staff consistently check the school's premises to ensure that they are safe and secure. Children demonstrate how well they know the setting's simple 'rules'.

They understand that they must always be able to see a staff member to ensure that they are supervised appropriately. Leaders use assessments effectively to identify any increased risk activities, such as when children use the school's climbing wall or 'trim trail'. This means that staff supervise these appropriately and children learn to use the equipment safely.

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