Swallowbrook ASC

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this friendly and welcoming club.

They quickly settle and begin to busy themselves with various activities. Children concentrate well and become deeply engaged in what they are doing. They talk to the staff about what they have been doing at school that day, and staff listen intently.

Children can choose to relax or engage in more active play at the end of their school day. Some concentrate hard as they build intricate models with construction pieces. Others choose to watch a film, discussing the characters and plot with an adult.

Children feel safe and regularly involve the... staff at the club in what they are doing. For example, children talk to staff about retired football players, while showing their football cards.Daily opportunities to play in the garden help children to benefit from fresh air and exercise that promotes their good health.

For example, they have access to an outside area where older children enjoy playing football and encourage younger children to join in with them. Staff at the club encourage conversations with children about healthy eating. During snack time, children tell staff that, 'Watermelon is the best,' as they eat.

Older children are considerate of younger children. They count seats around the table to make sure that there is enough space for them to sit.

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

Staff work well together.

They have a good understanding of their role in promoting children's development. There is a good key-person system in place for younger children, and staff understand how to support all children. They ensure that the club activities are led by children's individual interests and are keen to seek feedback from children about what they would like to play with that week.

The manager and staff have strong partnerships with the teachers at local schools that they collect from. They exchange information that helps to support children to enjoy their play and enhance their development.Conversations between children and staff are consistent.

During snack time, children discuss going to see firework displays. Staff support the conversation, listening to children's views and opinions. Children are confident communicators.

They form strong friendships with one another and enjoy their company as they take part in activities such as construction, crafts and sports. This helps children to build on their social skills and confidence.Children speak to the inspector about how much they enjoy their time at the club.

They say that they like the staff and have opportunities to play with lots of different toys. Spaces are created for each child's needs. For example, there is a quieter reading area, where children can sit and relax after a long day, and busier areas where children enthuse about doing collage pictures and constructing large models.

Staff are positive role models for children. They understand how to support children's emotional well-being by nurturing them, so that they grow in confidence. Staff have clear routines in place and high expectations for children's behaviour.

Children understand the rules of the club and adhere to these each day, while reminding their peers of what is expected of them. They play together well, showing care and respect for each other.Children are encouraged to celebrate and respect each other's individuality.

Staff arrange activities to support children's understanding of religious festivals and cultures. They have discussions with children about what they have learned at school, so that they can continue to teach them in the club. For example, children discuss that they have been learning about Diwali in school.

Staff support this and provide activities to deepen children's understanding.Parents speak highly of the club. They say that the staff are 'professional, kind and considerate'.

Parents appreciate staff helping their children with homework and being accommodating to their needs as busy families. The staff at the club ensure that parents are well informed about what their child has done through regular communication by email, phone contact and face-to-face conversations.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff teach children to keep themselves safe. They discuss the potential dangers of online activities and empower children to share any worries with a trusted adult. Older children are aware of the mobile phone policy at the club.

They understand what things can be potentially harmful to watch and when they are allowed to access their mobile phone. Staff undergo regular child protection training and managers share safeguarding updates during team meetings. This helps to ensure that staff know how to identify and respond to children who may be at risk from harm or abuse.