Manor Farm @ Wickselm House

Inspection of Manor Farm @ Wickselm House Wickselm House Learning Centre, Station Road, Berkeley GL13 9RL

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This provision meets requirements

Children are very happy, relaxed and have lots of fun at this unique holiday club, which is set in countryside surroundings. They form secure bonds with the kind staff, who get to know them well. When children first begin to attend, staff gather a wide range of information from parents and carers about children's individual interests and care needs. They use this information to plan a broad range of interesting play activities. For example, children excitedly make Easter baskets from paper. They decorate these with different craft materials, carefully painting polka dots and sticking on sequins. Children use their baskets during their egg hunt in the garden and are keen to take their creations home to show their families.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff are wonderful role models. They teach children to be kind and respectful of both their peers and animals. At the beginning of the day, staff organise a group circle time to help familiarise children with each other, the daily routine, and the rules and expectations for their time at the club. Staff enthusiastically introduce children to two fluffy chicks, who are just a few weeks old. They take turns to gently stroke them. Staff remind children to speak with quiet voices, so they do not scare them. Children are confident to handle and interact with the club's wide range of animals. They listen intently as staff explain the features of these animals and how this helps them to survive in the wild. Children proudly share their knowledge of these animals with visitors. For example, they explain that 'Maverick the bearded dragon, comes from a hot desert in Australia and has a third eye to help him recognise if it is day or night.'

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need to do better?

n Staff teach children the importance of good hygiene practice and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions. Before playing outside in the garden, staff remind children of the club's rules 'no pick, no lick, and to be careful with sticks'. They explain that some edible plants, such as wild garlic, have many similarities with poisonous plants which could make them very poorly. They learn to wash their hands thoroughly after handling animals, playing outside and before mealtimes. n Children behave exceptionally well. They are considerate of their peers and are welcoming of children who are new to the club. Children are thoughtful and keen to show new children around. For example, they show them where to store their belongings. Children play cooperatively with each other. They share resources and patiently wait for their turn. n Staff form strong partnerships with parents. At drop off and pick up times, they

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need to do better?

speak to parents to gather information about children's experiences at home, and to share information with them about children's time at the club. Further

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need to do better?

28 March 2024 information, including photographs and videos, is shared on the club's social media page. Staff also host regular community events, which parents are invited to attend. For example, at Christmas they organised a fair with a range of animal experiences, such as Shetland 'reindeer' rides that children could attend with their families. n Leaders value parent feedback and use this as a tool to drive continuous improvement of the provision. They act immediately on parent feedback, for example, by adding more coat pegs for children during busy periods. Parents state that the provision offered is excellent and state that their children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club and make new friends every day they attend. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are exceptionally well supported by experienced staff to access all areas of the provision. They benefit from one-to-one support by staff, who manage their individual needs well. For

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need to do better?

example, staff take them outside to the guinea pig stable and work with them at their own pace to prepare them to interact, hold and stroke the animals. Staff help children to lead their own play. For example, they provide them with additional time to jump in and walk through puddles. n Staff maintain effective working relationships with schools and other settings children attend. With permission from parents, staff communicate with teachers and support staff to make sure that the care offered to children during school holidays is consistent and complements their learning during term time. n Staff meet regularly with leaders for supervision meetings. They discuss their professional development and personal well-being. Staff state that they are very happy and feel throughly supported in their role. In addition to mandatory safeguarding training, leaders ensure that all staff hold paediatric first-aid

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need to do better?

qualifications. Staff are offered additional courses to enhance their already strong knowledge and skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2660467 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 10332947 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 562 Name of registered person O'Brien, Hannah May

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reference number

Telephone number 01453 890551 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Manor Farm @ Wickselm House registered in October 2021 and runs from Wickselm House Learning Centre in Berkeley, Gloucestershire. The club offers care Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.30pm during school holidays. The club employs four staff. Of these, one holds an early years qualification at level 6 and one holds a qualification at level 5. Two members of staff are unqualified.

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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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector spoke to children, to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff.

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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

28 March 2024 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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