The Foxes

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The atmosphere in the club is vibrant. Staff work hard to successfully create a welcoming and stimulating environment in this 'pack-away' setting.

Children come into the club energetically and settle quickly. They chatter together as they prepare their own snack and talk about their school day. Children freely access the outdoor area.

They excitedly try to solve a mystery with torches and magnifying glasses. They shriek with delight as they solve the clues. Children take part in thoughtfully engaging activities.

For example, young children make sensory bottles. They concentrate hard and develop the smaller muscles... in their hands as they pour water and glitter into the bottles. Children show their creations to others with pride.

Staff are active partners in children's play. Children delight in staff engaging in their role play. Children create a menu and ask staff what they would like to eat in their pretend restaurant.

Staff listen well to children and take their views and opinions into account. For example, children are involved in a committee meeting where they plan for the Valentine's ball and other upcoming events. Staff work well to positively reinforce children's good behaviour.

Children are reminded of the golden rules and are supported to be respectful of others.

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

Leaders and managers gather views about the setting from children, parents and staff. They use self-evaluation effectively to bring about positive changes.

They have recently implemented 'a star of the week' system, where children and parents vote for children or staff members. This recognises achievements, dedication and positive attitudes. Staff constantly praise and encourage children.

Children are recognised for being helpful and kind, and this is displayed on the 'acts of kindness' tree.Staff work closely with the linked schools that the children attend. This ensures that children's education is complemented.

Staff know the children well. Regular communications between staff of the club and school ensure that all children's needs are met and fully supported. Staff help children to build on existing skills and develop them further.

For example, children engage in an activity making play dough and learn to estimate quantities of ingredients. This also supports children to develop the muscles in their hands, which can support skills needed in early writing.Children take part in activities of 'mindfulness' at the start of each session.

They discuss how they are feeling and explore the emotions of others. Although this benefits some children, the groups are very large. This results in children waiting a long time for their turn and some become disengaged and restless.

Effective monitoring and supervision of staff is in place. Staff are encouraged to undertake further training to support their professional development. Staff meetings are carefully planned.

A newly implemented programme which supports staff's self-reflection, has seen positive impacts on staff interactions with children.Staff help children to learn about other cultures. They provide children with experiences associated with different festivals.

For example, children explore many artefacts from China to support Chinese New Year. Similarly, they celebrate other festivals, such as 'Peach melba day'. Children explore how to make peach melba in one of their popular baking activities.

The club also has a wide range of books and resources which represent different communities, nationalities and families.Partnership with parents is good. Parents are happy with the service provided and the quality of care that children receive.

Some parents compliment 'the different activities on offer to the children' and the 'flexibility of the service' provided.Care routines are well established and help to promote children's emotional security. Children demonstrate that they feel safe at the club.

For example, they discuss how they keep themselves safe when using the internet. Children are surrounded by familiar adults who listen to any worries they may have. High regard is taken to the safety of the children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.All staff have maintained up-to-date training in safeguarding. Staff understand their responsibilities with regards to safeguarding children.

They know how to recognise potential indicators of abuse. Staff know the referral procedure to follow in reporting a concern about a child's welfare. They are aware of wider safeguarding concerns, such as female genital mutilation and spiritual possession.

The club has effective arrangements in place to ensure that children are safe online. Staff understand policies and procedures well and they promote children's safety and well-being effectively. For example, staff implement thorough risk assessments and procedures to help to safely collect children from school.

Also at this postcode