Oldfield After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happy and are excited to be at the club. They are respectful and say please and thank you to each other and staff. Children welcome visitors and invite them to play.

They freely choose the activities they want to take part in. For example, some children choose to play table tennis while others quietly read their books.Children display good behaviour.

They negotiate play opportunities together, playing well together. Children understand that resources are shared and that they need to take turns. Older children support younger children when they find tasks difficult.

Staff work hard to ensure that ch...ildren with special educational needs and/or disabilities can participate in all activities and experiences. They make reasonable adjustments to ensure that the setting is inclusive, and children have access to the required level of support.Children show great interest and concentration at the craft table.

Staff provide various materials for children to make fans. Children mix paints and comment on the colours they are making. They praise each other for their achievements and comment on the lovely flowers they have made with stamps.

Children skilfully use a range of tools, such as scissors and glue sticks, to create pictures and make marks.

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

Partnerships with parents are strong. Leaders have accurate records of the children and their abilities.

Parents state how grateful they are to have the club and how invaluable it is to them. They state that the staff are caring, kind and knowledgeable. They appreciate the activities offered and feel that their children are safe.

Staff promote children's emotional development well. They have high expectations of what children can achieve and provide challenge and praise. Healthy food options are provided, such as fruit and hot meals with vegetables.

Children select their own snacks and serve each other tea. However, at times, staff carry out some tasks that children are capable of completing for themselves.The manager of the club has a good oversight of his staff team and of the needs of children who attend the setting.

He makes sure that all staff attend core training and understand their roles and responsibilities. Staff have regular supervision meetings with the manager, who in turn is well supported by senior management. This means that any emerging issues are quickly identified and managed.

Staff comment that they feel well supported and know they can raise any issues with the manager. This helps them to share information to promote children's safety and well-being.Children have ample space to be active, which supports their physical health and well-being.

They are able to use the school playground to exercise. Children's differing interests are met very well. For example, they can choose to be active playing football, alternatively children draw and colour studiously at a picnic bench with a member of staff.

A positive working relationship is established with the host school. Staff work with the younger children in the Reception class and regularly speak with the older children's teachers during the school day. Therefore, they are very knowledgeable of the children attending each session and meet their needs very effectively.

The club continues themes and topics to complement what children learn in class and what younger children require help with.The manager and staff are reflective in their practice. They seek regular feedback from each other, parents, and children.

Staff use this feedback to evaluate what is working well, and what changes could be made to enhance their practice.Children are aware of the rules and boundaries of the club and know the routine well. They follow instructions and respond well when asked to come inside for tea.

Children follow good hygiene practices. They wash their hands after playing outside and before snack.Staff provide a range of opportunities for children to learn about the wider world.

For example, children celebrated the school's 50-year anniversary and dressed up for the occasion. They discuss with visitors how they enjoy craft activities and different food.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have a strong understanding of their responsibility to safeguard children. They complete regular training to ensure that their knowledge is up to date. Staff are able to recognise the possible signs of abuse and neglect.

They are aware of safeguarding issues, such as the risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. The club has policies in place to follow should they need to raise concerns regarding children's welfare with other agencies. Leaders have a central system in place to record staff suitability to work with children.

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