Abbots Hall Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children look forward to their time at the club. Staff create many opportunities for children to make choices and plan activities. They take account of the children's individual interests and often complement the experiences children have in school.

Children fully immerse themselves in what the club has to offer and show high levels of engagement and enjoyment. For instance, children spend long periods of time exploring the construction bricks. They independently select the resources they need and talk to staff about what they are building.

Staff's interaction with children is very positive. They join the children at mealt...imes and listen with genuine interest to their stories and ideas. This helps children to develop close relationships with staff and to feel a strong sense of belonging at the club.

Staff are good role models. They support children to make the right choices and are on hand to praise children when they share toys and use good manners. Children of all ages behave impeccably well and are very kind and thoughtful towards each other.

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

Staff ensure that children have plenty of opportunities to get outside in the fresh air and take part in physical play. They get involved in children's energetic chasing games and motivate them to come up with new challenges. When children show an interest in water play, staff provide water and paintbrushes.

This inspires children to experiment with making marks on the wall.Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive good levels of support during activities and routines. Staff share information with parents to ensure good continuity of care for children with SEND.

They build secure bonds with children and respect their personal preferences as they play. This helps children with SEND to feel reassured and settle quickly when they first attend.Staff promote children's independence and encourage them to take responsibility for their own personal care.

They talk to children about healthy eating and support them to try new foods. For example, children get involved in chopping a selection of fresh fruits and use these to make fruit kebabs for snack.Staff involve children in sensitive discussions about themes such as staying safe online and road safety.

They often invite firefighters and paramedics into the club to enhance children's awareness of people who help us. These activities help to strengthen children's understanding of how they can keep themselves safe.There are strong partnerships with the school staff, including when younger children are new to the club and preparing to start school.

Staff meet with class teachers to discuss children's needs and how well children are settling. This helps them to adapt activities and ensure that children have opportunities to rest at the end of a busy school day.Staff ensure that children are safe at the club.

They carry out thorough risk assessments of the indoor and outdoor environment. Staff deploy themselves effectively to ensure children's safety. When accidents occur, staff are quick to react, offering children comfort and applying the appropriate first aid.

The management team is keen to review the provision and make improvements to benefit the children. Since the last inspection, staff have reorganised the sessions to enable children of similar ages to play together in groups. This has had a particularly positive impact on how quickly younger children form friendships and feel confident to complete tasks themselves.

Recruitment processes are robust. All staff receive a thorough induction to ensure that they are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities. Staff are encouraged to take up opportunities for professional development.

For example, some staff complete additional training to help extend their understanding of how to support children with SEND.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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