Acorns

Inspection of Acorns Loughton Methodist Church, 260 High Road, Loughton IG10 1RB

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This provision meets requirements

Children feel at home in the setting, where staff have built warm relationships with them. Children make the transition from school well and immediately show independence by placing their belongings away. Staff ask children to make choices about what they want to do. This helps children to make decisions and share ideas.

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This provision meets requirements

Children play physical ball games in groups, cheering their peers and working as a team. Staff promote language and communication at every opportunity within the setting. Children have excellent communication skills, joining in conversations with peers and staff. They say, 'We can have as much food as we want,' clearly appreciating the self-serve tea. They describe, in detail, the self-portraits they choose to draw. They master their art skills, carefully considering colours and design. Additionally, they excitedly discuss where they will hang them when they get home.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff have high expectations of the children and act as excellent role models. As a result, children show respect for others and have incredible social skills. They engage in meaningful conversations at mealtimes with their friends, sharing ideas and discussing their day at school. Children encourage each other by saying, 'Well done' as they acknowledge each other's achievements.

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need to do better?

n Staff have a good understanding of what children enjoy doing. As a result, children arrive and excitedly run to their favourite activities. Children use their large motor skills and enjoy competing with peers while playing games. They negotiate space and enjoy the challenge of team games they create, such as 'poison ball'. This helps children to understand the thrill of challenge. n Staff direct and ignite children's natural curiosity in crafting and construction activities. Children become artists as they create paintings in their own image. They skilfully use materials to make constructions, such as racing car tracks. They use words such as 'booster' and 'winning,' as they race their cars. They request help from staff, when needed, and understand when they need support. n Children listen to staff and follow instructions. They understand boundaries and rules and show respect for others. Older children play alongside and with

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need to do better?

younger children, including them in their play. Children celebrate various festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including Chinese New Year. They learn to appreciate differences and about the lives of other people. n Routines support children in structuring their time in the setting. Children learn how to manage their time and choose what they want to do. Mealtimes are a social occasion as children self-serve and learn the importance of making healthy

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need to do better?

16 January 2025 food choices. Children manage their personal hygiene well and are very independent in the setting. n Staff have excellent partnerships with the local school, which means important information about the children is shared. This is particularly vital for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Topics children learn at school are planned in the club so that children's learning can be supported in the setting. n Parents say they have full confidence their children are happy in the setting. Setting-in sessions are highly effective in supporting children to make friends and get to know staff. Parents feel pastoral care and the relationships between children of all ages are excellent. Important information is relayed from school, for example, about any accidents children have had. Also, they appreciate how staff support children's ongoing learning and development. n The leadership of the club is highly effective. Staff attend training to strengthen

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need to do better?

their skills and knowledge. They understand how to manage children's allergies by implementing effective procedures. Additionally, staff use effective risk assessment and safety measures in the setting to keep children safe. Children are always within sight, especially on transition from school to the club.

p.3

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 2698966 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10367880 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 82 Name of registered person Chitticks, Samantha

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reference number

Telephone number 07967462941 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Acorns registered in 2022. The setting employs nine members of staff. The setting is open Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions run from 7.30am until 8.45am and from 3.15pm until 6.15pm.

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Inspection activities

n The owner held a discussion with the inspector about how she organises her provision. n The inspector spent time observing children playing inside and outside in the setting. n The inspector talked to staff and children. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The inspector viewed documentation, including evidence of the suitability of staff.

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Inspection activities

16 January 2025 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

16 January 2025 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

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

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