Little Diamonds O.S.C. (Venner Road)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements On arrival, children independently hang up their coats, store their schoolbags out of the way and use the toilets if they need to. Staff chat to children and ask questions about their day. This encourages friendly discussions among children and helps staff to identify any children who need additional support or reassurance.

Older children join in sociable conversations with younger children and help them if required. This supports the smooth running of the club and gives children opportunities to build their confidence as leaders and role models.Children enjoy a range of activities throughout the session.

They sit with the...ir friends to make crafts, construct or draw, and play video games in small groups, where they take turns. Children are calm and listen to each other. Staff have clear expectations about children's behaviour, which children respect.

Children's behaviour is good. They are kind and considerate towards each other. Younger children have a consistent member of staff that is familiar to them.

This helps children to settle in very well and enjoy their time at the club. Children are friendly and engage visitors in conversations. They say that they like making new friends from other schools, the range of activities on offer and the friendly staff team.

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

Staff and volunteers escort children to the club from a number of primary schools in the area. Children arrive on foot, by bus and by car. Staff ensure that children understand the behaviour that is expected of them to keep them safe as they travel to the club.

Children have plenty of opportunities to be active and extend their physical skills at the club. They have free access to the garden, where they play ball games and use bicycles and scooters. Towards the end of the afternoon session, the hall is cleared for games.

Children love to play dodgeball. They fully participate as players and as enthusiastic spectators cheering their friends on.Staff have a good knowledge of children's individual needs and personalities.

Children say that they would feel confident to approach a member of staff if they were unhappy or want to talk about a problem. Staff build on children's self-esteem through praise and encouragement.Staff gather the information they need to ensure that they are fully aware of children's special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

They develop strong relationships with parents and carers to support children who may need additional support with SEND or their behaviour. This helps to provide continuity and consistency for children.Children are highly complimentary of the hot meal provided by the club.

The manager prepares healthy food and fruit, which children thoroughly enjoy. The manager ensures that she offers alternatives to accommodate children's allergies and dietary preferences. Children sit together and chat with their friends as they eat.

Mealtimes promote children to develop positive social interactions and a positive attitude to eating well.Parents state that they are very satisfied with the club and the activities on offer. They say that staff share what their children have been doing during the session and pass on key information relating to their school day.

Parents report that they are confident to share any concerns they have with the manager.Children benefit from the well-established and experienced staff team. Managers use a robust recruitment process for new staff and volunteers.

Staff receive supervision sessions and appraisals to ensure that they remain suitable for their role. Staff complete regular safeguarding and first-aid training to help them keep children safe.Staff say that they enjoy their work and that leaders are approachable and supportive.

However, staff say that they would welcome more opportunities to access further training, such as around how to support children with SEND and enhance the activities on offer. Leaders identify that more professional training opportunities will help staff to develop their knowledge and skills.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have a good understanding of their responsibility to safeguard children. They recognise the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk from harm or abuse. Staff know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns regarding a child's welfare.

Staff supervise children well, indoors and in the garden. During club sessions, only staff and the children they care for have access to the premises. Managers ensure that all areas of the premises are routinely risk assessed and maintained to a good standard.