Sawley Before and After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children calmly arrive to the after-school club, having been collected from the local school by the club staff. They show a sense of belonging as they know where to store their possessions.

Children understand rules that help keep them safe. They wash their hands on arrival, following good hygiene practises which are particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The children courteously ask the staff 'How are you today?' and they engage in conversation with staff, who listen attentively about their school day.

They are eager to know what the 'focus activity' is and what they are having for tea. Children greet their ...friends with delight and excitedly talk about their plans for the evening.Children make independent choices about their play in the spacious, indoor environment.

They enjoy a variety of board and other games, where they learn about turn taking and the rules of the different games. There are quieter areas where children can sit and relax to read books or chat to their friends. Children respect each other's views and show kindness as they talk about their dreams as part of the celebration of Martin Luther King day.

They talk about dreams coming true if you work hard and help each other. Children show positive attitudes towards others and are well prepared for life in the society they live in.

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

Parents speak highly of the staff who manage the after-school club.

They value the flexible hours and fun activities the children enjoy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents do not enter the club as they would usually do. However, staff ensure that parents know what their children have been doing and maintain good communication to ensure children continue to feel safe, secure and happy.

In addition, they have increased the amount of information shared with parents through social media.Recruitment procedures for staff are robust. Staff receive a thorough induction and regular supervision meetings to support their ongoing professional development.

The small staff team work very closely together to plan opportunities for children to develop new skills. They plan to offer more cooking and baking activities for the children. Staff recognise the new skills that the children can learn from such activities.

The arrangements for settling children into the club are effective. Staff have a good relationship with the local schools that children attend. They share information about children to support consistency of care.

Staff use this information well to support children at the club and plan activities based on their interests. They ask children for their ideas and contributions to develop activities and the provision further.Children learn how to risk assess their play environment.

For example, they help clear a space large enough to skip with skipping ropes. They move tables and chairs, so that they have enough space and check around them before they start skipping. Children follow the club rules well and stay within the designated areas while carrying out physical activity to keep themselves and their friends safe.

There is a good emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles for children. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise. They enjoy eating freshly prepared, nutritious meals.

Children demonstrate how independent they are as they pour their own drinks and help themselves to sandwiches and fruit. Older children help staff to set the table and make sure that there is enough snack for everyone.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff confidently identify signs and symptoms of possible abuse and neglect and understand the procedures that are in place to safeguard children. In addition, they know that children can be exposed to extreme and radical views and who to share any concerns with. All staff receive regular safeguarding training.

Staff understand their responsibilities for reporting any concerns if they were worried about the conduct of a colleague. Staff complete daily checks on the premises and equipment to ensure all areas of the club are safe and secure. All staff hold a first-aid certificate and know how to treat minor accidents.