Fun 4 Kids at Highwoods

Inspection of Fun 4 Kids at Highwoods Highwoods Cp School, Tynedale Square, Highwoods, COLCHESTER CO4 9SN

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children are collected from the school by happy, caring staff, who are genuinely pleased to see them. They arrive happy and confident and discuss their school day with the enthusiastic staff. Young children have established close and trusting bonds with their key person. They settle quickly and are eager to engage in an abundance of fun activities within the welcoming, cosy and bright playroom. Children have made friendships. Older children are encouraged and supported to be buddies to the younger children and take great pride in wearing the 'buddy badge' for the session.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children are familiar with the routines and expectations of the club. They confidently choose where they want to play and energetically play outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Staff are good role models. They show kindness, are nurturing and speak respectfully to the children. Children's behaviour is good.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Staff plan activities around children's interests. They encourage children to talk about themselves, their family, likes and dislikes. Themes such as 'All about me' encourage children to be creative as they draw self-portraits. Artwork is celebrated and displayed within the room, creating a sense of belonging. Staff engage children in meaningful conversations as they talk about people important to them.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are extremely settled, happy and enjoy their time at the club. Staff are very attentive and have quality interactions with the children. Even very young children demonstrate they feel safe, secure and are confident. The key-person system is very effective, and children are consistently supported by familiar staff who know them well. Children's emotional well-being is fully supported. For example, the provision of a cosy quiet space means children can chill and relax in comfort. In addition, a comfortable, well-stocked book corner provides children with space to look at books quietly as they unwind from the school day. n Children are encouraged to discuss how they feel. Positive conversations take place about the child's day at school. Children can confidently express their emotions in the homely club and use the 'feelings' interactive board to express how they feel. Children receive good attention, reassurance and cuddles when

p.2

need to do better?

they feel sad. n The owner, manager and team have established positive working relationships with the host school. Appropriate and relevant information is shared by the teachers when children are collected from their classroom. Good communication with the school also means the club can continue the children's learning and

p.2

need to do better?

21 September 2023 topics to complement what children learn in class. n Children engage in a range of activities that interest them. There is a calm and happy atmosphere as they play games together. Some prefer to be creative and enjoy making dough, colouring or using resources outdoors to draw large-scale pictures. Younger children enjoy role play and make tea in the 'café' for their friends. They chat and giggle together as they play with construction toys and show kindness as they share the resources. n Parents comment that staff are very approachable, friendly and that they feel fully informed about their children's time at the club. They say their children are always happy, want to attend and settle quickly. Parents comment that the staff are very professional and that they are truly grateful for the service provided. They comment they feel reassured their children are in safe hands. n Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and choose for themselves what they

p.2

need to do better?

want to eat. They know to wash their hands before joining the snack table and sit chatting with their friends as they enjoy a range of fresh fruit or crumpets. Children are enthusiastic as they volunteer to be the snack helper. They enjoy helping staff prepare the table and help wash up after. Children demonstrate good manners. Children can take care of their personal needs independently, and staff are on hand to support if required. n The manager is well organised, which helps to ensure the club is run efficiently. The owner and development manager are very involved and support the manager in the development of the club. Staff practice is routinely monitored. Staff comment that they are happy in their role, supported through regular supervisions and training opportunities, and feel valued.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to protect children from harm. They have a comprehensive knowledge of possible signs and behaviours that would cause concern. This includes concerns associated with county lines and domestic violence. Completion of safeguarding training ensures staff are fully up to date with the procedure to follow should they have a concern regarding a child's welfare. Staff confidently demonstrate their knowledge of how to report any concerns, including the whistle-blowing procedure. A robust recruitment process and thorough induction ensure staff are suitable for their roles. Children are supervised well, and the premises are risk assessed to ensure children are kept safe.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY472622 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10300987 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 24 Number of children on roll 131 Name of registered person Fun 4 Kids Colchester Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07572089537 Date of previous inspection 9 January 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Fun 4 Kids at Highwoods, Colchester registered in 2013. The club opens Monday to Friday from 7am to 9am and from 3pm to 6.15pm during term time and from 7.30am to 6pm during the school holidays. It employs six members of childcare staff, five of whom hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 and above.

p.4

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 discussions with the manager to explore the leadership and management of the provision. 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

21 September 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6