Holiplay Kids Club - Shirley Park

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision does not meet requirements Staff are unaware when unknown persons access the building where children are cared for.

They do not show that they understand the club's procedures. For example, staff without relevant food safety training prepare meals for children. Information about children's dietary requirements is not available while food is prepared.

This compromises children's health. In addition, some staff do not have sufficient knowledge of safeguarding issues. Staff work alone with older children until their colleagues arrive back from collecting younger children from school.

This affects their ability to meet children's needs.... For example, children have to wait for more staff to arrive before they can use the toilet. Younger children are overlooked.

They receive support from older siblings or school friends to understand routines. At times, they become distressed. Children listen to and follow staff's instructions.

However, a lack of age-appropriate or engaging activities results in them being distracted. Younger children speak to each other during lengthy focus activity sessions that do not involve or interest them. Most children appear happy as they play and interact with each other.

Children are articulate and confidently share their views. Children have limited opportunities to build on what they learn at school or take part in engaging activities that reflect their interests.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

The provider does not monitor the club effectively enough.

There is no one identified as the manager or deputy manager. Staff are sometimes unclear about their roles and responsibilities. The provider seeks the views of parents and children, and staff discuss the effectiveness of activities and routines at the end of each session.

However, this does not help the provider to identify and address weaknesses in the service.Some staff are not aware how to respond to safeguarding concerns in the absence of the lead practitioner for safeguarding. Some staff lack knowledge of their safeguarding responsibilities, including ensuring the club's mobile phone policy is consistently implemented.

The provider makes appropriate notifications to Ofsted and relevant agencies within required timescales. They have reviewed club protocols, following a significant incident. However, they do not check that all staff understand and comply with changes that are introduced.

The provider does not provide staff with training required for their role and responsibilities. Untrained staff prepare meals without first checking children's dietary requirements. During the inspection, children who say that they are vegetarian are offered chicken-flavoured noodles by staff.

Staff do not closely check ingredients to prioritise children's individual needs and avoid the risk of dietary failures.On the day of inspection, the inspector was able to access the club building without the knowledge of staff. Staff deployment is not effective.

One member of staff cooks while older children wait for their younger school friends to arrive. Despite having very little to do, children generally behave well. They are eager to help with tasks, such as serving meals and giving out cutlery to their friends.

Staff do not provide adequate support for the youngest children, including those who are new to the setting. Staff are not allocated to reassure the youngest children and help them to settle in and understand new routines. At times, children become upset during busy routines such as at mealtimes.

During these periods, their emotional needs are not met well.The provider does not check that staff understand how to ensure activities and routines are appropriate for all children. Staff expectations for the youngest children are unrealistic.

For example, children are expected to sit through lengthy focus activities that are not adapted for their developmental needs. Children are disengaged and are then reprimanded for talking amongst themselves.Most parents spoken to say that they are satisfied with the service.

They appreciate the ability to use technology to view planned menus and to see information relating to accidents. In contrast, children say that they are bored. They dislike the food that is prepared and share that they have nothing to do for long periods.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date ensure that staff gain knowledge of safeguarding issues and understand how to implement the club's safeguarding policy and procedures, including how to report concerns in the absence of the lead practitioner for safeguarding 19/02/2024 provide appropriate support and training for staff, so that they plan and implement a broad range of interesting and engaging age-appropriate activities for children to enjoy 19/02/2024 implement key person arrangements so that staff are available to support children to settle into club routines and ensure that activities and routines are tailored to meet their individual needs 19/02/2024 ensure that staffing arrangements allow staff to supervise children effectively, particularly at the start of each session 19/02/2024 ensure that meals are healthy and nutritious, and that information about any special dietary requirements, preferences and food allergies of children are shared with staff who prepare meals 19/02/2024 ensure that staff who prepare and handle food are trained in food hygiene 19/02/2024 ensure that the club's building is secure at all times and persons cannot enter unknown to staff.

19/02/2024