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Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Managers and staff make sure that children enjoy their time at the club.

They provide lots of exciting activities that ignite children's interests. For example, children work cooperatively as they build models with the construction bricks and play imaginatively in the pretend kitchen. Children also use a plethora of craft materials, which nurtures their creativity.

There is a hive of activity in this vibrant club and staff are well deployed to help keep children safe. Staff also play with children and listen to what they say. As a result, children feel valued and build wonderful relationships with staff.

A key str...ength of the club is how well new children settle. They visit the club before they start, which helps to prepare them for their transition. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour.

This is evident in practice as older children are excellent role models, who adhere to the club's rules. They are extremely kind and ready to offer extra help. For example, as younger children struggle to fit the pieces of the jigsaw, older children give them lots of encouragement and support.

This gives children the confidence to have a go and succeed.

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

Managers and staff have worked hard to maintain high standards at the club. They always put children first and ensure that the activities they provide keep children engaged and motivated.

Children appreciate the wide range of activities provided. They also enjoy the responsibility of choosing what they want to play with. As a result, children are able to express their preferences and make decisions.

Staff guide and support new children to help them settle with ease. As a result, children quickly learn the routines of the club. As they arrive for the afternoon session, they know to wash their hands and get ready for snack.

The healthy snack choices include fresh fruits and vegetable sticks, which children thoroughly enjoy. Children also have access to the school's outdoor play areas. This further supports their good health as they engage in physical exercise and benefit from lots of fresh air.

Staff understand the importance of breakfast consumption on children's learning. When staff identified that some children were not eating breakfast, they revised the breakfast menu to include a greater choice. As a result, more children are eating breakfast at the club.

This gives children a good start and helps to prepare them for a busy day of learning at school. Teachers have commented that children are more alert and display higher levels of concentration.Parents are extremely complimentary about staff and talk with pride about the club.

They are pleased that staff are flexible and allow their children to attend sessions at short notice. Parents are also delighted that their children enjoy the club and have opportunities to mix with older children. As one parent commented, 'My child now interacts with children and has become more sociable.'

Managers and staff ensure the club is inclusive to all. They expose children to different modes of communication, such as sign language, which helps them to converse with their friends. Children are proud of their achievements and showcase their sign language skills during school assemblies in the host school.

Most staff are qualified to administer first aid. This means they can respond promptly in the event of an accident or injury. Staff also undertake specific training, so they can meet the needs of children and staff with medical conditions or disabilities.

This is a strength of the club, which demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the club is accessible to all people.Staff work in partnership with teachers at school, which has a positive impact on children's behaviour. For example, staff use ideas from teachers to help children who struggle with change.

They also work closely with parents. This consistent approach helps children to focus their attention and cope with situations that they may find difficult.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff are vigilant and know how to report any child protection concerns. They also attend regular training, so their knowledge is current and up to date. Managers and staff ensure children's confidentiality.

For example, they ensure all records are kept in a locked cabinet. Staff are aware of the risks that children may face. As such, they carefully plan activities to help increase children's awareness of hazards.

For example, children learn about road safety as they walk to and from school. They also learn about the 'PANTS' rule. This helps children to understand that their body belongs to them, and that staff will help if they speak up.

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