Fun 4 Kids at St Johns Green

Inspection of Fun 4 Kids at St Johns Green St. Johns Green Cp School, 38 St. Johns Green, COLCHESTER CO2 7HE

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This provision meets requirements

The owner, manager and her team of staff ensure children are welcomed into an exciting, friendly and cosy club. A wide variety of activities provided are planned with children's interests in mind. Staff know the children very well as a very effective key-person system means even the youngest children are confident, feel safe and settle quickly. Staff fully understand that young children may be tired after a day at school and the play areas provide children with cosy, comfortable spaces to relax if needed.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are collected from school and are happy to see the caring and attentive staff. They enthusiastically talk about their day on the walk back to club. They discuss what they want to do. Children's behaviour is very good. They understand the high expectations and staff members are good role models as they speak to the children with respect and kindness. Older children are encouraged to support and help the younger children and they hold hands on their walk back to club. Children quickly engage and become absorbed in the fun activities provided. There is a calm and homely atmosphere throughout the session. Children thoroughly enjoy their time outdoors where they can run, play football, tennis and 'let off steam' if they choose.

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need to do better?

n The manager and her team have established positive working relationships with the host school. Regular meetings are planned with the school to discuss continuity of care and any additional support required for children. Communication is strong and discussions, if needed, take place with the teacher at the end of the school day. n Staff invest time in getting to know the children and their family. A strong focus is placed on the children's emotional well-being. A key-person system is in place for all children, not just those in the early years. Children build secure, warm attachments with familiar adults. Children demonstrate they are confident. They are independent but seek help and reassurance when needed. Children are extremely settled and happy. n Parents speak positively about all aspects of the club. They comment that staff are brilliant and go 'above and beyond' what is expected. Parents say they feel

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need to do better?

reassured their children are safe, and that staff are friendly and approachable. Parents comment that they feel fully informed about their child's time at club and relish the work and observations they receive. n Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club. Activities are provided around their interests and requests. They are confident and engage visitors in conversations. Children discuss what they like to do at the club and invite them

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need to do better?

9 October 2023 to join their games. They show enthusiasm to try new things and proudly present rings and bracelets they make for the staff and visitors. Children work is celebrated and displayed within the room. n Children also play in the school hall. This is defined into cosy areas and provides children with a wide variety of activities. However, outdoor play is also very popular. Children are encouraged to make choices and the staff listen and respond to the children's requests. Children enjoy water play, make dens, and play football outdoors. Those who prefer quieter activities sit comfortably under shelters, enjoying fresh air as they focus on colouring and reading. Staff are skilful in their interactions and are very attentive. n The strong management team is effective, and the club runs seamlessly. Staff say they feel fully supported in their role. For example, they are positively encouraged to continue with their own professional development. Staff comment

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need to do better?

how they feel valued and motivated to complete further qualifications and training. They demonstrate enthusiasm and genuine interest in their role and providing a quality service for the children. Staff retention is good; therefore, children are provided with continuity of care. n Children are offered a healthy, light snack. They choose from a selection of fruits or toast as they sit chatting to their friends. They understand the need to wash hands before they join the snack table and are keen to help staff tidy away after. Robust procedures are in place to ensure any children with allergies, dietary needs or medical requirements are managed well.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff demonstrate a secure understanding of how to protect children from harm. They all complete safeguarding training. This ensures they are fully up to date with the procedures to follow should they have a concern regarding a child's welfare. Staff have a sound knowledge of the possible signs and behaviours that would cause concern. This includes aspects of child protection such as county lines and domestic violence. Recruitment of staff is robust. There are good arrangements in place for induction and ongoing suitability of staff. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe through well-planned activities and experiences. They learn the importance of road safety as they walk from school to the club.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY465268 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10301040 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 50 Number of children on roll 127 Name of registered person Fun 4 Kids Colchester Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07539440606 Date of previous inspection 23 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Fun 4 Kids at St Johns Green, Colchester registered in 2013. The club opens Monday to Friday during term time from 3.15pm to 6pm. It employs nine members of childcare staff, five of whom hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 and above.

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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 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.

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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

9 October 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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Inspection activities

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