Olivers Lodge - Earls Colne

Inspection of Olivers Lodge - Earls Colne Earls Colne Cp School, Park Lane, Earls Colne, COLCHESTER CO6 2RH

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This provision meets requirements

Children are warmly welcomed by happy, caring and enthusiastic staff. Children are very familiar with the routines as they line up and eagerly put on their high- visibility jackets as they walk to the club room. They excitedly chat to the staff and one another about their day and what they want to do at the club. They join all together at the start of the session. They choose a healthy snack of fruit while they say hello to one another and are reminded about the rules and expectations of the club. Children are very eager and motivated to explore the activities planned. For example, they show great enthusiasm for a cooking activity. They concentrate and are skilful as they carefully decorate biscuits for teatime. There is a real sense of belonging and staff speak very kindly to the children and with respect. They show genuine concern if a child is unhappy. Interactions with staff are very good and children delight in inviting them into their games. There is a strong focus on young

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This provision meets requirements

children's welfare. Staff are keen to ensure they are settled, confident and happy and that their individual needs are fully met.

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This provision meets requirements

Children have ample opportunities to get fresh air and exercise after a day at school and choose to play outdoors. They play football, use skipping ropes, climb and play with bats and balls, fully supported by the staff. They demonstrate they feel safe and secure and are very happy within their environment. Equally, well- planned quality play opportunities are available within the child-friendly playroom indoors for those who prefer quieter activities. High-quality resources are readily available and easily accessible.

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need to do better?

n Olivers Lodge is one of ten out-of-school clubs within the company. The club provides children with a most welcoming, relaxed and fun place to attend after school. They invest time in getting to know the children and have established positive links with the host school. Children discuss their day at school and show the staff their work with pride. They are thrilled with the praise they receive and are fully supported to continue their work at the club if they choose. n Children are collected from school by happy, caring and attentive staff. Children have established close bonds with the team and are excited to attend the club. They are aware of the high expectations of the staff and show good manners. Children discuss their own expectations and write rules for the club. Older children are caring. They help the younger children and invite them into their games. Their behaviour is very good. The key-person system is effective and

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need to do better?

young children are consistently cared for by familiar staff. n A stringent recruitment process, induction programme and mandatory training ensure staff are confident in their role and are fully equipped to care for the

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need to do better?

12 May 2023 children attending. Staff say they feel valued and supported and enjoy their work. The manager supports her staff through monitoring practice, regular supervision and observations. n Staff have established positive, professional but friendly relationships with the parents and welcome their feedback. Extensive and informative registration forms completed by parents help staff get to know the children's abilities and likes before they attend. Parents comment that they are extremely happy and reassured when leaving their children at the club. They say communication is 'fantastic' and that the team provide their children with 'amazing care'. Parents appreciate the many opportunities their children have to play outdoors and the activities planned. n Teatime is a sociable occasion. Children sit and eat with their friends, demonstrating good manners. Drinking water is readily available throughout the

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need to do better?

session and children are gently reminded to keep hydrated. They make their own healthy choices as they fill wraps to suit their own preferences. Ample fresh vegetable sticks and yoghurt are also offered. Children can take care of their personal needs independently and know to wash their hands without prompting when visiting the bathroom.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and her team demonstrate a secure knowledge of how to safeguard children. They have a good understanding of child protection, including wider issues, such as county lines and the 'Prevent' duty. They are fully aware of possible signs and behaviours that may suggest a child is at risk. They understand the procedures to follow to ensure children's welfare is protected. All staff complete regular safeguarding training. They are very clear on the process to follow with regard to whistle-blowing should they have a concern. A robust recruitment and vetting procedure means children are cared for by staff who are suitable to do so.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY467605 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10286060 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 28 Number of children on roll 78 Name of registered person Olivers Lodge Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01799 540709 Date of previous inspection 31 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Olivers Lodge - Earls Colne registered in 2013. It is situated at Earls Colne Cp School in Colchester. The club opens Monday to Friday, during school term times. Session times are from 7.30am until 8.50am for the breakfast club and 3pm to 6pm for the after-school club. The club employs five members of childcare staff. One of these holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting has 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 setting. n The manager showed the inspector around the club and explained how the play environment is organised. n The inspector had several discussions with the area manager and the out-of- school manager to explore leadership and management issues. The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of the provider's documentation, including training certificates. n Parents told the inspector what they thought about the provision and staff and their views were considered. n The children told the inspector what they like to do when they are at the club.

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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

12 May 2023 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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