Shelf out of school club LTD

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy their time in this setting.

They come in happily and are keen to join in with games and activities with their friends. Children who are new to the club are shown where to put their belongings and are introduced to other children. Children are involved in planning, which means resources reflect their interests.

For instance, they enjoy making up stories using their favourite characters from television programmes.Children have secure attachments with the adults who work in the club. They seek them out for reassurance and staff are always on hand to help the youngest children.

Children behave well. Any... unwanted behaviour is quickly addressed by staff, who calmly remind children of the rules. Children begin to manage their own behaviour and understand the impact their behaviour might have on others.

Older children are very supportive of younger children. They are kind, include them in play and help them with everyday routines.Children are kept busy during their time in the club.

Enthusiastic staff engage them in lively team games, such as Dodgeball. They learn to listen carefully, follow instructions and be resilient when it is their turn to be 'out'. Children who do not want to participate enjoy quieter activities together, such as pretending to repair toy vehicles.

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

The provider has taken steps to improve the policy and procedures for safer recruitment of staff. She understands the importance of completing rigorous background checks to make sure that staff are suitable to work with children. The provider has improved her understanding of her role and responsibilities as the nominated individual of the club, and as the designated lead for safeguarding.

She has also implemented a programme of supervision meetings and appraisals for staff to evaluate their practice and check their ongoing suitability.Staff have successful arrangements for sharing information with schools that children attend. This shared approach between club staff and teachers supports continuity in children's learning and development.

For example, staff help children with early reading and writing. They play games such as Bingo and use pretend money during role play to help children to develop their mathematical skills. Teachers share information with staff to ensure children with special educational needs and/or disabilities have the support they need during their time in the club.

Parents value the care that the club provides. They say that staff help children who have difficulty managing and communicating their feelings. They say children have very good relationships with staff and are happy to be in the club.

Communication between staff and parents is effective. Parents have a good understanding of the activities on offer, and how these support children's learning in school.During school holidays, children benefit from activities off the premises and visits to places of interest.

Children are excited to be using the bus to go on a trip to the roller disco and to visit the local animal petting farm. They benefit from outdoor play in the fresh air in the grounds of the club. Staff organise team games that provide children with exercise.

They make sure that children drink plenty of water to keep them hydrated. These activities promote children's good health and their understanding of their wider community.Staff engage in children's play and help them use their imagination.

For instance, children pretend to be mechanics as they repair and fix toy cars. Staff ask them questions to prompt them to think and come up with ideas. For example, staff say, 'How much will it be to fix my car?' and 'What do you think is wrong with it?'.

Children think about their answers. They tell staff the cost and that the brakes need fixing.Staff promote good hygiene with children.

They remind children to wash their hands before eating food. They provide children with a healthy range of food options for breakfast and snacks.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The provider and staff are confident in recognising the signs of abuse or neglect. They have a secure understanding of child protection issues, such as children who might be at risk from county lines gangs, or from being groomed online. Staff know the procedures to follow should they have concerns about a child's welfare or about an adult.

Staff help children to understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, they teach them about road safety during walks to and from school. The provider does not allow mobile phones to be used within the club and there are strict policies in place for the use of games consoles.