Acorn After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and are very happy to attend the club. Staff involve children when planning and ensure that activities meet their different interests. For example, children talk with excitement as they make slime potions.

Furthermore, they have great fun as they take turns playing table tennis. Children also relax in quieter areas of the club, sharing stories with staff. These opportunities help children to be curious and deeply engaged in their chosen play and activities.

Children form strong friendships and enjoy one another's company as they take part in crafts and sports. This helps t...hem to build on their social and physical skills, and creativity. Children thrive in the care of professional and dedicated staff who provide a welcoming, safe and nurturing environment.

They are confident and develop strong bonds with their key person, who knows them well. For instance, children eagerly invite staff into their play.Children are kind and sensitive to each other.

Older children invite younger children into their games of hide and seek. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. They have meaningful conversations with children, who listen to one another's views and opinions.

Children's behaviour towards each other is admirable.

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

The manager and staff plan a diverse range of play activities that motivate and engage children very well. Children enjoy involving staff in their play as they learn different card games.

The key-person system is well established and helps children to build a sense of belonging. Staff are good role models to the children. This supports children's social skills well.

Staff support children's understanding of being healthy effectively. Children manage their personal hygiene very well, understanding the importance of regular handwashing before mealtimes. The club provides healthy and nutritious home-cooked meals and snacks.

Staff follow clear processes to ensure that children's dietary requirements are met. They use mealtimes to further promote independence. For example, children confidently serve their own food.

Older children are particularly kind and help the younger children. Children know the routine of the club very well.Children say they love their club.

They talk confidently about their favourite activities and say that the staff are 'very kind and fun'. Children enjoy playing active games with staff outdoors. Staff motivate children to join in and exercise in the fresh air, and engage them well.

Staff ensure that materials for drawing, painting and craft activities are available throughout the club. Children are free to explore these materials independently. For example, they paint rainbows and proudly display these.

Staff communicate effectively with school staff. They gather important information about children's individual needs. This helps them to recognise potential risks to children's health or emotional well-being Parents are complimentary about the club and the approachable and friendly staff.

Staff gather good information from parents about their children. For example, they find out about children's likes and dislikes, family members and any medical needs. Parents comment that their children thoroughly enjoy the different activities that the club offers and often ask to return even on days they are not supposed to be at the club.

However, the club's arrangements for sharing information with parents could be strengthened, to enhance daily communication with parents even further.The manager and staff work cohesively together to ensure the smooth running of the club. The provider evaluates the club well, seeking the views of parents and children.

This helps them to identify areas to develop.The manager has recently reviewed her supervision procedures. Staff receive ongoing support from the manager, such as regular supervisory meetings and yearly appraisals.

The manager uses these opportunities to discuss with staff any training needs and concerns. She holds daily discussions with the staff team and observes their practice. The manager values staff's input and works together with them to reflect on their practice and identify ways to drive improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The club has its own secure area within the school site. Staff monitor who enters the area well.

Risks to children are minimised. Staff are careful to check who is present as children move between school and the club at collection times. They are confident of their role and responsibility to keep children safe.

Staff keep up to date with child protection training. They know the procedures for the local authority to report any concerns about a child in their care. Staff are familiar with the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is more vulnerable or at risk of harm.

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