After 3 Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy attending this well-resourced and organised club. Staff know the children well and plan a wide range of activities that align with their individual interests. At the start of each session, staff remind children of the available options, allowing them to make independent choices about their play.

They discuss behavioural expectations and children recall these, such as 'no running indoors'. Staff reinforce positive behaviours and explain that children who reach silver or gold levels on their behaviour management system will be rewarded with a prize. Children behave well.

Children build positive relationships w...ith peers of all ages. Younger children engage in imaginative play with small-world toys, creating stories as they move characters around a village and pretend to be on a family outing. Children are eager to take part in craft activities and listen carefully as staff give clear instructions on how to make a Christmas gonk.

They are proud of their achievements and explain to visitors that they used fluff to stuff the gonk's hat and soft material for it's beard. Children are excited to take their creations home to show their parents and hang on the Christmas tree. Throughout the session, staff actively monitor children's engagement, offering support and guidance when needed.

For example, if necessary, staff suggest putting some resources away and selecting new ones to re-energise children's play.

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

The club has strong partnerships with the host school. Leaders and staff attend events, such as opening evenings, to meet parents and children before they join the club.

They discuss each child's individual needs with parents and teachers, using this information to ensure the children's needs are met. Additionally, the club aligns its behaviour management strategies with the school's expectations, promoting consistency in children's care.Staff offer an inclusive service and adapt their practice to meet all children's individual needs.

For example, they provide extra support and guidance during play and adjust behavioural expectations for younger children. Staff offer more praise and encouragement for positive behaviour and create spaces where young children can rest and relax if they are tired after a busy day at school. Staff collect children from their classrooms and discuss their day with class teachers, so they can share this information with parents at home time.

Staff provide children with a snack when they arrive at the club. If children have not washed their hands before arrival, staff remind them to use hand sanitiser. Children sit at the table and enjoy ham, cheese and jam sandwiches.

Staff encourage healthy eating and remind children they can have only one sweet sandwich. After finishing their sandwiches, children enjoy a yoghurt and have unlimited access to fruit if they are still hungry. Staff refill children's drinks bottles to ensure they remain hydrated.

Children have access to technological devices at the club, including tablets and game consoles. Parents' permission is gained for access to these devices and the use of technology is limited to twenty-five minutes per child per session. While the devices are not connected to the internet, staff sometimes use these play opportunities to discuss e-safety and screen time with children.

That said, staff do not consistently share information with both children and parents to enhance their understanding of online safety and help children make their own responsible choices about screen time.Parent feedback is positive. Staff meet with parents at the end of each session to discuss their child's experience at the club and share any relevant information from the school.

Parents report that their children love attending the club and appreciate how staff are sensitive to their child's individual needs.Leaders are experienced and effectively monitor the club's services. Along with the staff, they regularly reflect on the activities offered and identify areas for potential development.

Leaders guide staff towards professional development opportunities and encourage them to access online training. For example, some staff have completed training on food preparation and the management of allergies. Staff report that they enjoy their roles and work well together as a team.

They explain that leaders are supportive of them, both personally and professionally.

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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