Fun 4 Kids at Dedham

Inspection of Fun 4 Kids at Dedham Dedham C of E (Controlled) School, Parsons Field, Dedham, COLCHESTER CO7 6BZ

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This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy every aspect of the club, particularly the continual access to outdoor play and the art and craft activities. The professional and caring staff safely collect children from their classroom and older children make their own way to the club. Children happily talk about their day to the member of staff who picks them up. They show an eagerness to attend, giggling and quickening their pace as they near the club.

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This provision meets requirements

Children's behaviour is exemplary. Older children are extremely nurturing and regularly invite their younger peers into their play. When children sail paper boats they have designed and made in the outdoor water tray, older children share ideas with them, such as using a straw to blow the boat so it moves faster. Staff consistently praise children for these kind behaviours, which reinforces the high expectations they have for all children at the club.

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This provision meets requirements

Children test their physical limits on the high-quality, wooden obstacle course. Because staff gently remind children to think carefully about their surroundings, and are deployed nearby, children play safely and happily. Children show they are beginning to take responsibility for managing their own safety by checking for a clear space before jumping off the equipment.

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need to do better?

n The provider has a good awareness of the current strengths of the club and where she can make further improvement. The provider places a strong focus on the well-being of the staff team and values the individual skills they each bring to the club. As a result, staff express how they love their job, which is portrayed in their enthusiasm and attentiveness to individual children's needs and well- being. n Staff gather useful information from parents and children's teachers to support children before starting the club. As a result, staff can tailor learning experiences and the environment to ensure all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, have full access to the engaging and wide variety of resources. n Staff ensure the inside and outside environments are safe through daily risk assessments and ongoing safety checks. This includes ensuring robust strategies are in place to meet children's dietary needs and ensure allergies are well

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need to do better?

managed. n Children take care of their personal needs independently, and staff are on hand to support if needed. Children make choices and serve their own snack. They understand their responsibility for tidying away and washing up their cups and

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need to do better?

8 July 2025 plates. Children can experience being a 'helper of the day'. This boosts their self- esteem and enhances their social communication skills, such as developing their ability to make new friendships. n Staff support children to become independent in their personal hygiene practices, when gently reminding children to wash their hands before eating. Children are learning the importance of staying hydrated for their good health. Staff teach them a little rhyme, 'When it is hot, we drink a lot', to remind and encourage children to drink plenty, especially on a hot day. n Staff implement innovative ways of helping children feel a sense of belonging and safety as they plan and implement a very effective daily routine. For example, children self-register on arrival and know to stop and listen when staff clap their hands. Group time, where children discuss fair rules and boundaries, also helps children to gain the knowledge required to self-regulate their

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need to do better?

behaviour. n Staff plan fun and interesting activities very well to support a weekly theme, inspired by children's interests and seasonal celebrations. These often complement children's learning at school, helping them build on previous knowledge. For example, they learn about caring for the environment and recycling by exploring relevant activities and stories. Children's creativity and imagination flourish as they use connecting shapes to make a magical ice lolly that they say will never melt. n Parents are generally happy with the communication they receive about children's time at the club through an online app and daily feedback. Parents say that their children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club and would highly recommend it to others.

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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 2744026 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10408173 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 16 Number of children on roll 88 Name of registered person Fun 4 Kids Colchester Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07903 489671 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Fun 4 Kids at Dedham, Colchester registered in 2023. It employs six members of childcare staff, four of whom hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 or above. The club opens Monday to Friday, from 3.15pm to 5.55pm during term time only.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a tour of the club, both indoors and outdoors, to understand how the play environment is organised. Additionally, the manager discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The inspector had several discussions with the manager to explore how the club is led and managed. The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. Parents and carers shared their views of the club with the inspector. n The inspector held a meeting with the management team. The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the staff working in the club and a selection of other records.

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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

8 July 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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