Little Big Learners

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children happily arrive at the club.

They are keen to talk to staff about their day. Children demonstrate an understanding of staff's expectations as they promptly put their belongings away and wash their hands. They choose their snacks and sit down at the table.

Snack time is a sociable occasion for children as they enjoy chattering to staff and their friends. Children are eager to take part in the activities staff provide for them. They immerse themselves into water play outdoors as they work together to construct using pipes for water to flow through.

Children listen to each other and work harmoniously together... as they test different ideas. They place bowls under the joining points of different pipes to help them to problem-solve and identify where they may need to make changes to their structure. Staff challenge children's thinking skills and support their mathematical development as they encourage children to think about the different angles they place the pipes at.

Children initiate playing games, such as standing still or sitting on a chair when the music stops. Staff provide music and join in with their play. Children play games cooperatively and are respectful of the rules.

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

Leaders recognise the importance of partnership working. They exchange information with children's teachers about what they can do to further support their learning. For example, staff provide opportunities for children to read with them to promote their literacy skills.

Parents speak positively about the service that the club provides. They say their children are always happy to attend and enjoy the activities staff offer. Parents comment that staff communicate well with them, which helps to provide continuity in children's care.

Staff spend time getting to know children who attend the club. Children are allocated a named key person, who is in tune with children's interests and needs. They use their knowledge about children to provide them with a range of experiences that engage them during their time at the club.

Staff are kind, caring and attentive to children's individual needs. They recognise when children may need time to rest, or where they would benefit from some adjustments to use their facilities. For example, they provide additional seats for the toilets for younger children to use, which builds their confidence when going to the bathroom.

Children behave very well during their time in the club. They are kind towards each other. Children play together, listen to each other, and share resources.

Older children are welcoming towards younger children joining in with their play. They show patience in explaining the rules to them when playing card games.Staff support children to take risks while keeping themselves safe.

For example, when they practise riding a scooter outdoors, they explain the need to be careful near a ramp. Children listen to staff and show caution as they move downwards. Staff remain nearby so they can intervene quickly if children are at risk of hurting themselves.

Children are supported by staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They follow good hygiene procedures in the setting and know when to wash their hands. Children are able to freely access drinking water when they wish to.

They help themselves to different fruits and vegetables, such as carrot and watermelon, throughout their time at the club.Staff genuinely enjoy their role at the club and act as positive role models to children. They continuously talk to children and show interest in what children have to say.

Staff ask children lots of questions and listen to their responses. They also encourage children to communicate with each other to express their feelings when they encounter conflict.Leaders have arrangements in place to support staff.

Staff benefit from feedback about their performance and they access to a varied training package. This helps staff to continually improve their personal effectiveness.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff complete a varied range of safeguarding training as part of their induction programme when they start working at the club. They have a comprehensive knowledge of different types of abuse that children may be at risk of. Staff are confident in identifying age-appropriate signs that could raise concern about a child.

They know how to report information to managers and other agencies. Staff and managers understand the procedures to follow if there are concerns about the conduct or behaviour of a member of staff. There is a rigorous recruitment procedure in place to check the suitability of staff working with children.

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