The Willows Before and After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are busy at play in the warm and welcoming provision. They arrive happily and are warmly greeted by staff.

Staff listen intently as children share stories from their day at school. This responsive approach from staff helps children to feel valued, safe and secure. Consequently, all children show a strong sense of belonging.

Staff consistently model positive interactions with each other and the children. They support children to become familiar with the clear and consistent boundaries and routines in place. These practices help children to demonstrate positive behaviour.

When challenging behaviour arises, ...staff use excellent strategies to encourage children to think about their actions and make good choices. Children of all ages are kind and considerate to their friends. They play together in harmony.

A well-executed 'buddy system' is in place. Older children proudly talk about their important role in helping younger children settle into the provision. This helps new starters to feel content in their new surroundings and gives older children purpose and confidence.

Children of all ages comment on how much they love coming to the provision. They describe playing together and being creative as their favourite things to do. Staff support children's interests well by planning an environment that offers variety and space for children to explore, experiment and learn.

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

The leadership team is well organised. The team is dedicated to providing a highly stimulating environment for the children in their care. Staff talk to children about what they want to do in the club and parents are also regularly consulted.

This helps staff and leaders to assess the quality of the service provided at the club and review what works well and what needs to change. Parents discuss how well the club takes their views into consideration. For example, they discuss the creation of a termly newsletter following their request to learn more about what happens at the club.

Children enjoy an abundance of opportunities to be active and exercise their large muscle skills. They also enjoy a range of healthy snacks. However, staff do not talk to children about the link between eating well and being active, and how it promotes overall good health.

Children are given many opportunities to promote their growing independence. Staff encourage children to try things themselves at first, using effective praise and encouragement to support them. This helps children to develop a 'can-do' attitude.

This has also been particularly helpful for new starters as they become increasingly confident in self-care and toileting routines.Sessions are well planned to meet the different age ranges and abilities of children. The environment is well resourced, offering many play opportunities both indoors and outside.

Some parts of the sessions are planned to allow children of similar ages to spend time together. For example, older children enjoy their sessions in the computer suite. Younger children excitedly learn about the names of their body parts during a physical exercise session.

Staff work with parents to gain a good knowledge about children when they first start their placement at the club. They gather detailed information about children's routines, interests, likes and dislikes. Families are encouraged to update this information annually.

This helps staff to get to know children quickly and follow their interests. Children build very secure attachments with the warm and caring staff.Leaders support staff well to understand their responsibilities.

Staff comment on how happy they are with the support that they receive. Regular training opportunities are provided for staff to help keep their knowledge up to date and current. Staff discuss how they have recently requested further training on allergy awareness and dietary needs so that they can upskill their knowledge in these areas.

Parents comment on how happy they are with the level of care their children receive. They describe the staff as friendly and approachable and how they 'go over and above' to meet the needs of children, particularly when children require additional support.Leaders and staff have secured good relationships with the host school.

Some staff also work within the school which helps to provide a continuity of care for children. Key staff from school comment on the good lines of communication between themselves and the club, and how reliable the service is.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and staff demonstrate a secure knowledge of safeguarding practices and how to keep children in their care safe. They are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms that might indicate that a child is at risk from harm. Staff confidently discuss local safeguarding procedures and the steps to take should concern for a child's well-being arise.

They attend regular safeguarding training to ensure their knowledge is current. Staff are aware that some families may be vulnerable to extreme views or ideas. They also demonstrate a secure understanding of the procedure to follow should an allegation be made against them, or if they observe malpractice by another member of staff.

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