Abacus After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff greet children warmly at this welcoming after-school club. They encourage children to hang up their coats and sort their bags into boxes, offering the younger children support when necessary. Staff plan a range of activities with children's needs and interests in mind.

Children happily choose where they wish to play and are quickly settled and engaged. Staff have embedded rules and routines that support children to know what is expected of them. For example, staff count backwards from five and children stop what they are doing to listen to their instructions.

Children generally behave very well, and the setting feels... calm and purposeful. Staff are quick to offer support and reassurance to children that need it. They manage any minor behaviour issues swiftly, reminding children of the expectations and redirecting them to more appropriate activities.

For example, staff successfully engage children by getting out a giant pack of cards to teach them a new game. The relationships between staff and children are warm and positive. During outside play, children enjoy the company of staff and there is laughter as they play games, such as chase and tennis together.

Staff also encourage children to show respect for each other. For example, during a game of dodgeball in the hall, older children pass the ball to younger children and praise them for having a go.

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

Staff provide a wide range of activities to meet the needs and interests of children at different stages of development.

Some children state that after-school club is a chance to relax and chat to their friends; others say they enjoy having time to play outside. Staff engage with children in their chosen activities and the after-school room buzzes with purposeful activity and excited chat.Staff encourage children to be creative.

They provide a variety of craft resources and drawing materials, which children can access at any time. Staff sit with children to support and extend their ideas. This is particularly true for younger children, as they benefit from the constant reassurance of familiar staff.

This supports their well-being as they become more confident in the club and get to know the older children.Staff give children choices throughout the session. For example, they vote on what activities they want to be available, and they choose whether they want to be inside or outside.

This gives children a sense of ownership and independence.Staff prepare snacks for children that are varied and balanced. There is a selection of fruit available that encourages children to make healthy choices.

Drinking water is always available and children are offered sugar-free juice at snack time. Children comment that they like the food on offer and want their parents to pick them up after snack time to avoid missing out.Staff make excellent use of the facilities to encourage children to be physically active in their play.

They provide resources, such as hoops and balls, for outside play and make use of a spacious hall for energetic team games. This further promotes healthy, active lifestyles.Leaders ensure the setting is well organised.

Staff state that they are happy working here and feel well supported. They are aware of their roles and responsibilities and work together to ensure the smooth running of the session. For example, staff use a walkie-talkie system at collection time to ensure the correct children are escorted safely to their parents.

Parents state that they are happy with the after-school club and that their children are always keen to attend. They comment that the staff are friendly and approachable, and that communication is strong. Parents add that staff get to know their children very well and adapt practice to ensure all children are fully included and valued.

Staff at the after-school club communicate well with staff at the school, such as the children's teachers. For example, they share strategies to support individual children's behaviour or well-being. This ensures continuity of care for children and promotes a culture of safeguarding.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Leaders have strong vetting and recruitment procedures to ensure staff are suitable to work with children. Risk assessments are robust.

Staff have secure safeguarding knowledge to recognise potential signs of abuse and know the associated reporting arrangements. Regular staff meetings provide opportunities to check safeguarding knowledge. The building is notably safe and secure.

The club environment is clean and hygienic, including the kitchen. All staff have appropriate food and hygiene training, and most are paediatric first-aid trained. The owners are often in the club to monitor practice and ensure policies and procedures are adhered to.

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