Fun 4 Kids At Camulos Academy

Inspection of Fun 4 Kids At Camulos Academy Camulos Academy, Whitmore Drive, Colchester, Essex CO4 6AL

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This provision meets requirements

The manager and her team are committed to provide children with a welcoming play environment. Children are greeted from school by familiar and caring staff, who know the children well. Systems in place ensure all relevant information regarding the children is sought before they attend, which includes their likes and dislikes. Therefore, staff can provide stimulating activities that capture their interests. Children are excited to see their friends and quickly immerse themselves in their play. There is a relaxed and happy atmosphere throughout the session. Even the very youngest children are confident and settled. An effective key-person system supports all children that may require reassurance.

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This provision meets requirements

Children come together at the start of the session and have a group conversation about their day. They sit comfortably as staff encourage them to talk about their time at school. They listen respectfully to their friends and are excited to share their news. Older children who are leaving to attend high school are celebrated and given small gifts to remind them of their time at the club. During group time, staff encourage children to discuss what they want to do, have a say in the activities provided and make choices. Staff respectfully listen to and facilitate their requests. Children are reminded of the rules of the club and staff's expectations. As a result, children's behaviour is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n The manager and her team have established positive working relationships with the host school. Effective communication takes place as necessary with the class teacher at the end of the school day when children are collected. This ensures continuity of care, and that relevant information is shared. The headteacher spoke of her gratitude for the service the club provides. n Children are greeted by happy, caring staff who are genuinely pleased to see them. Children enthusiastically chat about their day at school as they walk to the school hall where the club operates. They demonstrate they are eager to join the activities set out. Children are very familiar with the expectations and routines of the club. They store their personal belongings and ensure they have a drink. n There is a strong focus on children's emotional well-being. An effective key- person system is in place to ensure children build secure, warm attachments

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need to do better?

with regular adults caring for them. However, all staff members know the children well. The very youngest children are independent but seek help and reassurance when needed. A quiet cosy area is also available should a young child want to relax after a busy day at school. n Children are encouraged to make decisions and choices regarding the provision

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need to do better?

17 July 2024 of snacks. For example, staff discuss the menu with them and respect their choices. Staff provide healthy nutritious snacks and children sit chatting to their friends as they enjoy cereal and fruit. Robust procedures are in place to ensure any children with allergies, dietary needs or medical requirements are managed well. n Parents' comments are very positive about all aspects of the club. They express their complete satisfaction and appreciation in the service provided and say they feel reassured their children are in safe hands. Parents comment that the staff are very welcoming and approachable. They say their children settle quickly and are happy to attend. They comment that communication is good and spoke of the 'lovely' creative activities provided. n Children show sustained concentration at activities of their choice. For example, children express their creativity and enjoy making collage pictures. They

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need to do better?

confidently tell visitors to the club they have made 'abstract stained glass windows' using paper plates. Children talk about the materials they have used and comment they are recycling materials, which is good for the environment. n Children are positively encouraged to make their own choices as to where they play. They make friendships and work well together. Children work well in groups as they negotiate how to construct tall buildings using bricks. There is a very happy, relaxed, and calm atmosphere throughout the club. Staff speak with respect to the children and are good role models. Children's behaviour is very good. n Children's safety is paramount and daily risk assessments are completed. Staff are clear about their individual responsibility to protect children. Completion of appropriate safeguarding training ensures they are fully up to date with current practice. Children are taught how to keep themselves and others safe, through

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need to do better?

activities and resources provided. For example, when playing outdoors they know to the rules of using the climbing and gym apparatus. n The management team have high expectations for the children and the staff. Staff say they thoroughly enjoy their role. They are positively encouraged to continue with their own professional development and are provided with ample training opportunities.

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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 EY541035 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10354915 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 30 Number of children on roll 143 Name of registered person Fun 4 Kids Colchester Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07375031947 Date of previous inspection 12 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Fun 4 Kids At Camulos Academy registered in 2016. The club opens Monday to Friday during school term time, from 7.15am until 8.45am for the breakfast club, and from 3pm until 6pm for the after-school club. The club employs four members of staff, of whom one holds an appropriate childcare qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 club. 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 manager and area manager to explore leadership and management. The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of the provider's documentation, including staff's 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

17 July 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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