The Beehive At Oaklands Infant And Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children greet staff who collect them from school with big smiles and are eager to tell them about their day. Children enjoy taking part in the wide range of activities that are provided for them at the club. They are keen to dress the dolls and brush their hair.

They enjoy making models of spiders with modelling dough and pipe cleaners and excitedly show staff how they have coloured in their pumpkin pictures for an upcoming competition. These activities support children's creativity well. Children have daily access to outdoor play in the secure environment.

Younger children enjoy whizzing around the playground on the scoo...ters, and older children play football with their friends. Children carefully make their own sandwiches and wraps for snack. However, staff do not make the best possible use of opportunities to help children learn about making nutritious food choices.

Staff are good role models for children and have high expectations of them. They speak with children in calm, quiet voices and involve themselves in children's play to support their enjoyment of the activities. Children develop good relationships with staff and each other.

They have some opportunities to learn about the wider world. However, sometimes staff miss chances to further develop children's understanding of the differences and similarities between themselves and others.

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

The provider and staff have high ambitions to provide high-quality care that is safe and fun for children to attend.

They regularly reflect on the provision and identify areas for further improvement. For instance, they plan to make a book showing images of all of the available resources so that children can make even more choices about their play.The well-qualified staff receive ongoing training and support to continually improve their practice.

An experienced early years practitioner is helping staff to further develop their knowledge. This helps them to learn how to fully meet the needs of the early years children who attend the setting.Staff supervise children carefully.

They take extra care to make sure that younger children who are new to the setting are safe, for instance when they go to use the school toilets.Children are confident to approach staff with any concerns. They are happy and comfortable in their surroundings.

Children make independent choices, such as reading, modelling and playing outdoors. They share and take turns appropriately. For example, children play with computer games and use timers to make sure that their friends get a turn.

Children know the importance of washing their hands before eating. Staff help them learn to do things for themselves. For instance, they help younger children to use the small tongs to add fillings to a sandwich and to open their yoghurt pots.

However, on occasion, staff miss opportunities to further develop children's understanding of the importance of choosing healthy foods.Staff provide good opportunities for children to learn about personal safety. They encourage children to wear helmets when riding the scooters and tricycles.

They give children clear messages about limiting their screen time.Staff take account of children's interests when planning activities. For example, they planned an art activity using autumn leaves after children expressed an interest in knowing more about these.

Staff take part in children's play, for instance during outdoor ball games.Children have access to some resources that help them to develop their understanding of diversity, such as tasting a variety of foods from around the world. However, sometimes, staff do not build on these opportunities to further help to prepare children for life in modern society.

Parents spoken to during the inspection expressed their satisfaction with all aspects of the provision. They are happy with the feedback they receive from staff about their children and particularly like the flexible online booking system.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff collecting young children from the school demonstrate a secure understanding of how to keep them safe. For example, children all hold on to a long set of reins to keep them safe as they walk through the busy playground. Staff complete regular safeguarding training and have their knowledge regularly tested by the managers.

They have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. Staff are clear about the action to take if they have any concerns. The provider and managers follow robust recruitment procedures to help ensure that all staff are suitable to fulfil their roles.

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