Abc Childcare at St Michaels

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy their time at the friendly and welcoming club. They arrive with enthusiasm and are warmly greeted by staff.

Staff identify that younger children need more support by guiding them to become familiar with the club's routines. This helps children to settle quickly and develop a strong sense of belonging. Children of all ages play in harmony.

Older children take pride in acting as 'buddies' for younger children. They describe their important role in helping younger children to play and feel happy. Such practices contribute to instilling a caring and nurturing attitude in children.

Staff have excellent r...elationships with children. Children are eager to discuss their home and school life with them. Staff communicate clearly to children, giving them time to think and respond.

Consequently, children express themselves confidently. This helps children to feel respected and valued. Children display positive behaviour.

This is supported by the clear routines and boundaries in place, which all staff consistently apply. When challenging behaviour does arise, staff use strategies, alongside the support of parents, to address it effectively.

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

Risk assessments are conducted regularly to ensure that children are playing in a safe and secure environment.

Staff regularly headcount children when they access other areas of the school, such as the toilets or outdoors. This helps to ensure that all children are always accounted for.Parents and carers comment on the strong partnerships they have with staff.

They discuss the high level of care their children receive and how much their children enjoy attending the provision. Parents and carers talk about how staff regularly share relevant information from school and how this strengthens communication between home and school.The leadership team evaluates the quality of the provision regularly.

Alongside parents and staff, children are actively involved in the decision-making process of the club. For example, children regularly consult with staff on activities and play preferences. This helps the leadership team to gain a holistic view of what works well and what needs to change.

Children play energetically outdoors and benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical exercise. They enjoy healthy snacks and have continuous access to fruit and fresh drinking water. However, staff do not talk to children about the benefits of physical exercise and a healthy diet, and how it contributes to overall good health.

Leaders pride themselves in being fully inclusive. They discuss the importance of working with children and families to ensure that the provision adapts to meet the needs of all children, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This helps all children to feel valued and included.

The provision has established exceptional links with the host school. Many of the staff also work within the school, which has contributed to an ethos of effective partnership working. This supports continuity in children's care and learning between school and the club.

Children are courteous and friendly. They are well mannered and naturally show care and consideration for others. For example, older children hold doors open for their peers and support the younger children to climb stairs.

Children demonstrate sharing, taking turns and working together. Staff use praise and encouragement in abundance to support such positive behaviour. This is in turn reflective of how children treat each other.

The staff and leadership team place much focus on helping children to develop their independence. Children are encouraged to have a go themselves at first, which encourages a 'can-do' attitude. As a result, children are becoming increasingly confident in self-care and toileting routines.

The environment is organised well. Children enjoy a wide range of resources both indoors and outside. Staff actively engage in children's play, encouraging them to use their thinking skills and imagination as they play.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a good knowledge of how to keep children safe. They access regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge updated.

Staff are aware of signs and symptoms that might indicate that a child is at risk from significant harm or abuse. They discuss the need to be aware of children and families who may be vulnerable to extreme views or ideas. They confidently discuss the steps to take to report safeguarding concerns to the relevant agencies.

Staff are extremely vigilant around who picks children up at the end of sessions. There is a well-embedded password system in place. Robust vetting procedures help to ensure staff are suitable to work with children.

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