Alpha Afterschool

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enter this safe setting happy and eager to begin the session. They wait patiently until children not attending the club have left the premises and it is safe to play. As they wait, children sit together with staff and talk about their day at school.

Throughout the session, children's safety is ensured. This is because the manager is extremely vigilant and monitors children's movements from inside to outside play. She reminds staff to re-deploy themselves where necessary.

Children understand the routine of the setting. As children arrive, either staff or themselves put away their belongings, placing them in crates ...at the side of the room. Children have a good selection of resources to play with, which meet their interests.

Children are very engaged in their selected activities. They show sustained levels of focus when they play.Children display good behaviour.

They resolve minor conflicts themselves and play well together. Children understand that resources are shared and that they need to take turns. Children say that they play with friends from their own class and from other classes when at the club.

Children experience consistency in care and education because the setting liaises closely with the school. For example, events such as Saint Patrick's Day, which form part of the school's curriculum, are followed and extended within the after-school club.

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

Children develop positive relationships with staff.

They go to them for cuddles and support when they feel unwell. Children settle quickly and build confidence within the club.The club caters well for the wide age range of children that attend.

Staff plan and rotate activities for children. They offer children imaginative play, role play, building, drawing and games, as well as craft activities.Children show that they are resilient problem solvers.

They resolve minor conflicts over toys for themselves. Children agree to take turns and chat together contentedly as they draw pictures or build with construction resources.Children are respectful of others.

They help to serve tea and queue in an orderly manner to sit at the table. Children listen to adults and follow requests and instructions, such as to help their younger friends.Staff promote children's healthy lifestyles well.

Children use hand sanitiser before eating and enjoy a healthy tea, which offers children nutritious options, such as raw and cooked vegetables alongside pizza. Staff take children's allergies or dietary requirements into account. They display these prominently to ensure that staff remember what children can eat.

Children are encouraged to be physically active. They enjoy much time in the playground. Children have opportunities to run, play ball games or take part in group activities, such as hopscotch.

They experience the benefits that exercise has on their bodies and release energy.Partnership with parents is effective. Parents state that their children are happy to attend and that children talk about the various activities they have taken part in.

Parents are confident that any concerns they have would be dealt with appropriately.Leaders and managers promote staff's professional development. They offer staff regular training online and initial safeguarding training ensures that all staff are confident in their role in protecting children.

Staff are supported to complete recognised early years qualifications if they wish. Most staff are long standing and often work at the company's other settings, including the nursery.The manager reflects on the strengths and areas for development of the club.

They seek regular feedback from parents in the form of email or questionnaires. This feedback is used to evaluate what is working well and what changes could be made to enhance the experiences for children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and managers ensure that staff have regular safeguarding training. They have comprehensive policies in place and ensure that staff understand their responsibilities towards keeping children safe from harm or abuse. Staff understand the different types of abuse and the signs children may show.

The club has clear recording and reporting procedures in place. Staff understand about the importance of whistle-blowing should they have concerns about a colleague. Leaders and managers liaise with the school to discuss any concerns and keep children safe.

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