The Strings Club - Hampstead Holiday Camp

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this welcoming club.

They develop secure relationships and are well cared for by the cheerful and motivating staff. This helps children to feel safe and secure. Children know that staff respect and listen to their views.

For instance, children help to devise the 'golden rules' for their behaviour in the club. This adds to their sense of belonging. Children form good friendships and enjoy each other's company.

They converse happily together as they take part in games and activities.Children respond positively to the staff's high expectations. They are kind and respectful to e...ach other and concentrate well at activities.

For example, children show good attention to detail as they create 'superhero' pictures. They use their own ideas to create patterns or mix new colours. Children confidently acquire new skills, such as how to hold and strum a ukulele.

They develop a wider vocabulary of words as they learn about the different parts of the instruments. Children are well supported by the staff, who quickly notice when they need some help or encouragement to join in. They enjoy practising what they have learned as they play along to familiar songs.

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

The club owner speaks passionately about providing a high-quality service, so that all children have a happy and positive experience at the club. She seeks feedback from parents, staff and children and works hard to improve the service. The club owner has successfully addressed previous weaknesses in her own and staff's understanding of safeguarding.

Staff say that they thoroughly enjoy working at the club. They report that they receive good support and training, to help them deliver the club's activities and keep children safe.Staff gather a range of information from parents.

They use this effectively to cater for children's individual care needs. For instance, staff know that some children have special dietary requirements. Therefore, they are vigilant at mealtimes and ensure that children do not share food.

There is a good focus on supporting children's mental and physical well-being. Staff help children to understand and manage their emotions in positive ways, such as through discussions or breathing exercises. Children enjoy practising a 'superhero stance', which helps them to feel calm and brave.

Children have lots of opportunities to play outdoors in the secure playground. They play games and practise skills, such as running, skipping and kicking a ball. This contributes to their physical health and well-being.

Children learn to appreciate the natural environment. For example, during a 'mindfulness' activity they explore and compare the smells of herbs and the textures of tree bark.Staff ensure that children have a clear understanding of the expectations for behaviour.

They support children to recall the club rules and reflect on how they must treat others. Children behave well and show empathy for each other. For example, children are concerned and go to help when one of their peers falls over.

Children enjoy their time at the club and are keen to take part in the wide range of activities. They display very positive attitudes to their learning. Children listen and concentrate as they play a rhythmic hand-clapping game.

They try hard as they learn to play a new instrument, and experiment with new ideas in their creative artwork.Staff support children's confidence and self-esteem effectively. For instance, they create a 'wow board' where children record and celebrate their achievements at the club.

Children proudly add their comments, such as 'I was brave' and 'I tried hard'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and provider take the lead safeguarding roles in the club.

They and the staff demonstrate a secure understanding of safeguarding issues. This includes broader issues, such as the risks children may face from radicalisation. Staff know how to identify signs of abuse and neglect.

They know the procedures to follow if they become concerned about a child's welfare or the behaviour of an adult working with children. Staff competently assess risks, so that children play in a safe and secure environment. The provider carries out robust checks on staff, to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.

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