Little K's

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

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Met

Previous inspection Not Met (with actions)

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This provision meets requirements

Children play in a welcoming and bright environment that is safe and secure. They are happy and settled at the club. Children enjoy playing in the outdoor environment and on their arrival, some immediately take part in a lively team game with their friends. This gives them an opportunity to play energetically after their day at school. Others, who prefer to relax, enjoy sitting in the shade under a tree, catching up with their friends. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and children behave very well. Children are polite and form good relationships with staff and each other. When necessary, staff provide them with gentle reminders about safe play. For example, they reminded a child that they may hurt themselves or others if they swing a bucket over their head. Staff are highly attuned to the needs of any children who may feel unsettled following their break from attending school and the club during the pandemic. They are quick to notice this and provide

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This provision meets requirements

comfort to children to support their emotional well-being. Children are considerate to the needs of their friends. For instance, younger children were quick to help each other to pour a drink from the water jug.

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need to do better?

n The provider has taken effective steps to meet the actions set at the last inspection. For example, the club has strengthened its partnership with parents and the school that children attend. As a result, staff have a fuller picture of children's needs and provide greater consistency in their care. n Staff know all of the children very well. They adapt the routines and activities effectively to meet each child's individual needs and engage purposefully with them as they play. Staff chat with children to support their language skills and encourage them to persevere during games. For instance, they supported younger children well, to keep trying when they were attempting to throw a ball through a hoop. n Children enjoy the activities that are on offer. They make independent choices and follow their own ideas with confidence. For example, staff helped children to design and make their own diaries when a book another child was reading

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need to do better?

captured their interest. n Children play an active part in the life of the club and their views are valued. The club council, which is made up of children of all ages, meets up regularly to help decide on the behaviour rules and to consider any changes they would like to make. This gives children good opportunities to have their voices heard and their views taken into account. n Children follow well-established hygiene routines to support their good health. They wash their hands before and after arriving at the club. They know the importance of washing their hands to reduce the spread of infection, and do so

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need to do better?

8 June 2021 without reminding. n Children say they really like the snacks they receive. They enjoy choosing from a range of healthy sandwiches and wraps, along with slices of fresh fruits and vegetables. Staff preparing children's snacks wear appropriate protective gloves, to reduce the spread of germs and to help maintain children's good health. n Staff manage children's behaviour well. They provide good role models and treat children with respect. However, staff miss opportunities to plan activities that deepen children's understanding of diversity and prepare them effectively for life in modern Britain. n Parents spoken to during the inspection report a high level of satisfaction with the club. They appreciate the efforts staff make to share information with them, despite restrictions imposed by the pandemic. For example, parents say staff always take the time to chat with them when they collect their children and

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need to do better?

contact them by email or text if necessary. n Staff have regular opportunities to attend training to further enhance their skills. They say they feel well supported in their roles. They help to evaluate the quality of the provision and make suggestions for ongoing improvements.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All staff have updated their safeguarding training since the time of the last inspection. This helps to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to fulfil their roles effectively. They are confident about the signs that may indicate a child's welfare is at risk and know how to escalate any concerns in a timely manner if needed. Staff are clear about the action they should take if there are changes in their suitability. The provider has implemented an effective safeguarding policy with respect to the use of mobile phones in the setting and all staff are clear that their use is not permitted.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY363871 Local authority West Berkshire Inspection number 10193085 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

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inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 37 Name of registered person West, Karen Anita

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reference number

Telephone number 07786 871 756 Date of previous inspection 27 February 2020

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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 until 6pm during school term times. There are four members of staff. Of these, three staff hold appropriate qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector discussed the organisation of the activities with the provider. n The children and some parents had discussions with the inspector, who sought their views of the setting. n The inspector spoke with the provider about her vision for the setting. She sampled a range of documentation, including first-aid certificates. n Staff spoke with the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection to discuss their understanding of the setting's policies and procedures.

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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

8 June 2021 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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