The Strings Club - Islington Holiday Camp (Drayton Park Primary)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are eager to join in with the range of activities on offer at the holiday club. They excitedly learn new musical skills with the gentle encouragement of staff.

For example, children sit in a circle and strum a guitar as they sing along to a variety of songs with different beats. Children try hard even when they find it tricky to get the right beat. Children listen to praise from staff and giggle as they play songs faster and faster.

They develop confidence as they learn about rhythm. Children have warm relationships with staff, who know them well. They can talk about the golden rules of the club, including listeni...ng and taking care of their instruments.

Children have a very clear understanding of the expectations of them. They learn how to respect each other and property. Children listen to and follow instructions from staff.

They cooperate with one another and behave well. Children make choices about what to play with. For example, they paint, make masks, play in the sand tray and complete craft activities.

When children express a preference for a different activity, staff listen to them. Children can express themselves. They develop their own talents and interests.

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

Managers strive to provide high-quality care for children through music. They want children to gain confidence and express their thoughts and feelings. Managers and staff work with children to plan activities that they find interesting.

This includes a selection of play activities and more focused workshops. Children are able to practise a range of skills at the holiday club.Staff work together to ensure that children feel safe and secure.

They supervise children when they need to leave the room to fetch something or use the bathroom. Children listen to staff and follow their instructions. They understand that this helps to keep them safe.

Managers regularly evaluate their procedures for staff to follow. For example, they are currently reviewing how staff are deployed to support the youngest children to join in with focused tasks. Managers know that this will help all children to get the most out of activities.

Staff promote children's confidence by giving them praise and encouragement. They spend time getting to know children well. Staff create a fun and relaxed mood at the club.

Children feel secure and know that they can ask for help.Staff ensure that children eat a healthy lunch. They obtain information about children's dietary requirements, preferences and food allergies.

Staff make sure that they adhere to this information accordingly.Staff plan opportunities for children to spend time outside. For example, children play with balls, bubbles and other equipment on the playground.

They join in with music workshops outside, where appropriate. Staff know that being outside in the fresh air and physically active is good for children's health.Parents are happy with the care that their children receive at the club.

They say that their children learn new skills and make friends. Parents report that their children are excited to come to the holiday club and ask to go back again.Managers are reflective of their practice.

They regularly evaluate children's experiences and strive to continuously improve. Managers ask for feedback from children, staff and parents. They arrange continuous professional development opportunities for staff based on this feedback.

Managers and staff understand that it is important for children to contribute to the planning of activities. They regularly ask children what they would like to do at the club. Staff understand that this helps children to be more motivated to join in with the range of activities on offer.

Staff understand that children have different backgrounds and experiences. They regularly encourage children to explore the differences between themselves and other people through music workshops. For example, children learn about festivals and celebrations, such as they listen to music from around the world as they make masks.

Children talk about their previous experiences with each other. Staff know that this helps children to gain respect for other people.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Managers and staff understand the signs that children may be at risk of abuse or harm. They know how to report their concerns to the appropriate authorities. Staff know what action to take in the event of an allegation being made against an adult.

Managers regularly review their policies and procedures to ensure that children are safe. Staff undergo regular training to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Managers share policies and procedures with staff effectively.

They regularly review their understanding of the procedure they want to staff to follow. Managers ensure that all staff are suitable and have procedures in place to check their ongoing suitability. Staff conduct risk assessments of the setting to make sure that spaces are safe and hazard free.

Also at this postcode