Little K's

Inspection of Little K's North Thatchams Children's Centre, Park Lane, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 3PG

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This provision does not meet requirements

Procedures to ensure that children's welfare is maintained are not effective. There are breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements, which the provider has not identified. The manager, who is also the provider, does not ensure that staff adhere to the setting's mobile-phone policy. For example, staff do not implement the procedures for the safe use of mobile phones in the setting at all times. The manager has not implemented an up-to-date safeguarding policy to safeguard children. This is not in line with the local safeguarding partnership guidance. Furthermore, the manager lacks understanding of the importance of partnership working to identify and address all children's individual needs. The weaknesses identified result in children's safety being compromised and their safety is not ensured at all times.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Despite these weaknesses, children build positive relationships with staff, show they are happy, and enjoy their time at the setting. Generally, children behave well and interact with staff confidently. They enjoy good friendships with their peers and show care towards one another. Staff plan a range of age-appropriate activities, which children of all ages enjoy. Children are happy and have strong social skills. They readily greet visitors and talk about their experiences at the club and at home. Staff organise team games and sports activities based on children's interests.

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need to do better?

n The provider does not have a good enough understanding of child protection matters to ensure children's safety is assured. She does not have an up-to-date safeguarding policy in line with guidance and procedures of her relevant local safeguarding partnership. In addition, the provider and her staff do not ensure that the mobile-phone policy is implemented and adhered to at all times. This compromises children's safety and welfare. n Staff do not have fully secure partnerships with parents and the school setting attended by the children, to provide consistency in their childcare experiences and to help staff understand all children's individual needs. n The provider has not reflected in enough detail about how procedures are implemented to ensure that the quality of care is high. Nevertheless, she has a positive attitude about making improvements going forward and is committed to rectifying weaknesses raised at this inspection swiftly.

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need to do better?

n The staff carry out daily risk assessments on the areas that are used by the club, such as the hall, the 'quiet room', and playground. This helps to ensure that any hazards to children are minimised. For example, they have identified that the outside area is unsafe at present.

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need to do better?

27 February 2020 n Children play independently and show suitable levels of interest in a satisfactory range of accessible resources. They play cooperatively, sharing ideas and taking turns. Children show a sense of belonging as they know the club's routines. n Systems for recruitment and vetting staff are effective, and all appropriate checks are carried out to ensure that staff working with children are suitable. n Children form friendships with their peers and enjoy joking and laughing together at mealtimes. For example, children talk excitedly as they try to solve a puzzle cube. n Staff interact warmly and kindly with the children. They encourage children to be independent and try things for themselves. Children take pride in helping with tasks and daily routines. For example, they enjoy helping to clear away after an activity. n Children are energetic in their physical play. They make the most of the club's

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need to do better?

large hall as they play running games and ball games. n Snack time is a social occasion where children recall the events of their day. They sit in groups and show confidence in speaking and listening. Adults join in their conversations, demonstrating that they know the children well. Children's independence skills are promoted well. For example, children select their bread or crackers, making their own sandwiches by selecting their preferred fillings, and pouring their own water. Staff support children well to maintain a healthy diet.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff do not have a good enough understanding of child protection matters to ensure children's safety. Despite this, staff demonstrate a sound knowledge of how to identify that a child may be at risk from abuse and how to refer these concerns through the correct channels. Staff know how to recognise indicators that would raise their concerns about children or adults, including those that relate to extreme views and beliefs. All staff attend regular training and meetings to ensure that their safeguarding knowledge is up to date. The weaknesses in safeguarding knowledge mean that children's welfare cannot be assured fully.

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Due date

implement a safeguarding policy that is up to date and in line with local safeguarding partners and their multi- agency safeguarding arrangements 02/05/2020

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Due date

27 February 2020 ensure the mobile-phone policy is adhered to at all times 02/05/2020

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Due date

strengthen partnership working between parents and schools that children attend to identify and address all children's individual needs. 02/05/2020

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY363871 Local authority West Berkshire Inspection number 10136965 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care Age range of children 4 to 7 Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 34 Name of registered person West, Karen Anita

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reference number

Telephone number 07786 871 756 Date of previous inspection 19 February 2015

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Information about this early years setting

Little K's re-registered in 2007 and operates from Thatcham and Central Family Hub, in Thatcham, West Berkshire. The club is open each weekday from 3pm to 6pm during school term times. There are four members of staff. Of these, three staff hold appropriate childcare qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector completed a learning walk with the manager, who is also the provider, and viewed all of the areas of the setting used by the club. n The inspector spoke to the club's manager and staff to find out how they organise the environment and plan the range of activities provided indoors and outdoors. n The inspector evaluated the range of activities on offer through discussion with the club's manager. n The inspector sought the views of parents and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector reviewed a sample of documentation, including evidence of staff's suitability and training.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

27 February 2020 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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