Schools Out Club, St Austell

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children settle well and enjoy their time at the club. They are eager to meet friends and talk about their day. Staff are good role models and form good relationships with children.

Children are kind to each other and share resources amicably. Older children are considerate to the younger children and help them with finding more building blocks for their constructions, for example. Staff listen to children's ideas and value their contributions to planning popular activities.

They work hard to provide things that interest and engage children, so they have choices about their play. Children speak confidently to visitors abou...t what they like to do. They enjoy the freedom to create pictures using a variety of pens and coloured paper, for example.

They experiment with colour and beam with pride as staff praise their efforts and display some of their work.Children are clear about the expectation for good behaviour and staff manage any disagreements swiftly and with sensitivity. Children behave well and respect the feelings of others.

For example, when they play games outdoors they remind each other of the rules and cooperate with each other with fairness.

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

Parents are very positive about the care their children receive at the club. They appreciate the flexible and reliable service and say that children enjoy attending.

Parents speak very highly of the inclusive nature of the setting and the support for children with additional needs and/or disabilities. They comment favourably about the safe environment and the caring and attentive manager and staff.The atmosphere is calm and staff continually engage in conversations with children, showing interest in what they have to say.

Staff get to know children well and give support to their social skills and emotional well-being.Children are confident about the routines of the setting and independently set up resources, for example. They help themselves to healthy and nutritious snacks and follow good hygiene routines.

Staff are conscientious about meeting children's individual dietary requirements.The manager and staff work in good partnership with local schools. They share information about what children are learning at school, for instance.

This helps children to develop and extend their interests.Children benefit from fresh air and being physically active outdoors. For example, they enthusiastically join in with skipping games and build on their skills as they have fun.

Children comment that they enjoy the opportunities to go on regular outings to places of interest that widen their experiences and have fun.Staff supervise children well at all times. They carry out regular risk assessments to ensure children are safe and secure.

The manager ensures children are transported safely when they are picked up from local schools. Children travel in appropriate child safety seats. They have a clear understanding of the rules when they are traveling, such as not unbuckling seat belts until the vehicle has stopped and the engine is turned off.

Staff enjoy working at the setting and feel valued and supported by the manager. She observes staff regularly and supports their professional development. For example, staff attend training in paediatric first aid and feel confident about keeping children safe.

The manager meets with staff to discuss the provision and to evaluate the service they provide. They agree on ways they can improve experiences for children attending the club.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager and staff have a good understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. They are aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and know what to do if they suspect a child is at risk of harm. The manager has robust recruitment procedures in place.

She ensures that staff working with children are suitable and understand their role. The safeguarding policies and procedures cover various aspects, including the safety of children in the setting and on outings. Staff teach children to play safely together, explaining the need to avoid slippery areas outside, for example.