The Foxes @ St Marys

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision does not meet requirements Although there are procedures for risk assessments in place, they are not always effective in identifying all potential risks to children.

Children enjoy their time at the club, where they can relax and play with their friends. Staff support children's creativity as they paint shells with their favourite colours and cover them in glitter to create unicorns. Children play outside on scooters or join staff to play football.

They benefit from the fresh air and open space while practising their physical skills. Children sit and read books and staff are on hand to support them with reading or homework.Children settle we...ll and staff involve them in interesting discussions about their day and what they are learning about at school.

Staff's expectations of children are high, and children strive to meet them. For instance, children take pride in sitting up straight and listening carefully during circle time. They proudly read out the golden rules to the group when they are chosen.

Children demonstrate a good understanding of the rules and routines at the club. For example, they know to line up to wash their hands before snack. Staff work hard to plan and provide enjoyable and productive experiences for children during their time at the club.

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

Leaders conduct and review risk assessments regularly, but they are not consistently effective. For instance, on occasion medication is left in school bags, where it is accessible to children. However, once identified leaders take swift action to put procedures in place to minimise any future risk to children's safety.

Leaders collect practical information from parents at the outset. For example, they find out about children's dietary requirements and who will be collecting them. However, leaders do not always find out about children's background and prior experiences.

Although staff generally know children well, this hinders their ability to fully consider children's individual needs.Staff involve children in activity planning. They make mind maps together of the activities that children would like to see at the club.

This promotes children's sense of value as they see their ideas being implemented. Consequently, children are engaged in activities that they enjoy, and they benefit from their time at the club.Staff help children to practise key life skills.

Children are responsible for their own belongings and know to clear and stack their plates and cups after snack. This supports their developing independence skills.Staff encourage children to mix with others of all ages.

Children behave well and show thought for each other. For instance, older children kindly pass on their aprons to their younger friends at the craft table. Staff support children's personal and social skills.

Staff help children to understand their place in the world and how they are each unique. For instance, children make self-portraits to add to the club's gallery. Staff discuss different types of families with children.

They develop an understanding of our diverse world.Club staff work with members of staff at the school and nursery that the youngest children attend to support their learning and development. Staff plan activities to support what children need to know and do next to work towards their individual targets.

This helps children to make progress.Leaders support staff as they train to gain qualifications and enhance their skills and understanding. Staff report that the leadership team are supportive and that their views are valued and acted on.

Staff enjoy their roles, some having been there for many years. Children benefit from their experience and continued enthusiasm.Parents value the club and say that their children enjoy attending.

Leaders seek out parent's views of the club using innovative approaches. For instance, parents can rate staff's handovers and add comments via an online 'scores on the doors' system. Parents opinions are valued and the continuity between the club and parents benefits children's care and experience.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date ensure that risk assessments are effective in identifying all potential risks to children, particularly around the secure storage of medication, making sure that it is always inaccessible to children.

26/06/2024

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