Little Monkeys Forest School

Inspection of Little Monkeys Forest School Noble Knott Car Park, Whinlatter Forest Park, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5TW

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This provision meets requirements

Children look forward to attending forest school. They smile and chat to staff as they meet in the carpark ready to walk up to the site together. Staff respond enthusiastically as they listen to each child telling them about what they have done since their last session. When it is time to set off, children quickly line up ready for the adventures ahead. Children show that they know the daily routine, as they sit in the fire circle for the morning meeting. Staff encourage children to remind each other of the rules for the forest. The youngest children give examples such as 'no pick, no lick'. They explain that they do not pick or lick anything in the forest because it could make them sick.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are well cared for. They have tents and hammocks to rest in. Staff offer a choice of hot drinks and healthy snacks throughout the day. If children start to feel cold, they ask to light small fires. Staff teach them about using their muscles and getting blood pumping with exercise. At mealtimes, children help to set the campfire. Young children show amazing perseverance as they repeatedly strike the flint and steel to create sparks. They show great manners as they politely ask for more cotton wool to catch the flame. Children smile as staff praise them for their efforts and good behaviour. Parents say they come home full of stories about what they have done with their friends.

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need to do better?

n Staff support children to develop an understanding of emotions. During a quiet time at the end of the session, they lead children in talking about what they have done. They model the language of emotions and link this with experiences. Children talk about moments of frustration and what helped them to persevere. n Leaders promote an ethos of respect. They remind children to be kind to themselves, to each other and the forest. Children show they understand what this means by giving examples. They say they do not break branches and know where to take a rest if they are tired. n Staff value democracy. They ask children to vote on the sound used to bring everyone back to the fire circle. Children confidently suggest ideas and listen to each other before making their decision. n Parents appreciate the character development their children gain from attending. They say they come away feeling empowered, capable and challenged. They

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need to do better?

note that their children develop confidence, leadership skills and bravery. n Leaders are committed to inclusion. They work with parents and other agencies to provide feedback about the challenges that children with special needs and/or disabilities can encounter in the forest. Where possible, they make adjustments to help all children benefit from the activities on offer.

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need to do better?

24 August 2022 n Staff regularly evaluate their provision. They gain and share ideas within a community of outdoor educators. They make improvements based on experience. For example, adding more enclosed areas for children to sit and talk with each other. Furthermore, staff share their passion and wealth of experience with other practitioners when they offer training on site.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a high level of safeguarding training. They are aware of indicators of all types of child abuse and know the procedures for reporting concerns. Leaders follow safer recruitment guidance to ensure that any staff on site are suitable to work with children. Staff complete a risk assessment of the forest site each morning. They make sure that nothing has been left at the site by the public and check equipment. Thorough risk assessment documents detail necessary precautions for all likely activities. For example, children are taught to keep two arm lengths away from anyone using tools. Furthermore, children are taught to manage risk in the moment. For example, staff ask them how they could climb a tree more safely when it is wet. As a result, children are learning to manage their own risks. Staff promote good hygiene, ensuring children wash their hands thoroughly before eating. They prepare ingredients for mealtimes at home, being

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2520061 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10208017 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 15 Number of children on roll 56 Name of registered person Little Monkeys Forest School Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07912856215 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Monkeys Forest School registered in 2019. The setting employs two members of childcare staff. Both hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 6 and a level 3 certificate in Forest Schools. The setting opens from Monday to Friday during school holidays only. Sessions are from 9am till 5pm.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The children and parents had discussions with the inspector, who sought their views on the provision. n A sample of documentation including training certificates for safeguarding and first aid, were viewed by the inspector. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during the session. n The inspector completed a tour of the forest school to find out how the site is organised and see the activities on offer.

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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

24 August 2022 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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