Alpha Club @ Henwick Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children of all ages are happy and keen to socialise with their friends.

They form good relationships with each other and staff. Staff know children well and provide a broad range of activities. Children settle quickly and begin playing together as they arrive at the club.

They know the routines well. For instance, children speak to adults when they need to leave the hall to use the toilet. They are safe and secure.

Staff encourage children to be actively involved in helping throughout the sessions. They have high expectations for all children. For instance, older children are excited when it is their turn to take... the daily register.

Children are patient and attentive as they listen for their name. They consistently demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviour.Children have the opportunity to be creative and play imaginatively.

For example, older children drive large, different-sized cars around the hall. Young children enjoy creating their own designs with paint. Children take great delight engaging with adults and sharing their ideas.

For example, children draw pictures of their favourite food and discuss the importance of the 'eat well plate'. Staff promote children's communication and language skills well.

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

The provider has good systems in place to support staff.

She follows a recruitment and induction process to help keep children safe. Staff complete an ongoing training programme and attend regular team meetings. This helps staff understand their roles and responsibilities.

The provider meets with the school and receives feedback from children and parents. This helps to evaluate the setting and raise the quality of the provision.Staff support children's health and well-being.

They ask questions and encourage children to lead discussions. For instance, during mealtimes staff schedule 'table discussions'. This gives children the opportunity to talk about topics such as bullying.

Children's behaviour is good.Staff are good role models and have high expectations of all children. Children have a good understanding of their similarities and differences.

For instance, they draw pictures and design cultural costumes during creative activities. Children enjoy having their work on display. They show kindness and respect towards each other.

However, staff do not always allow children to do things for themselves, such as writing their own text on their work.The ambitious manager encourages children to make choices during the session. Children happily engage in adult-led and child-led activities.

For instance, older children take turns playing snooker. Young children enjoy sitting with their friends and staff to create lion masks. Children concentrate well as they stick on pieces of paper for the lions mane.

Staff support young children during their time at the setting. For example, they create journals celebrating their achievements and artwork. This builds on young children's confidence.

In addition children make strong attachments.Children are happy and settled. They have regular opportunities to access fresh air outdoors.

Children develop their physical skills. For example, they enjoy football and other outdoor games.Children have lots of opportunities to learn about different cultures.

For instance, during Black History Month the manager arranges for children to try different dishes at tea time, such as, Ghanaian food. Children develop a good understanding of the world around them.Children feel listened to and valued.

Parents comment that their children love spending time at the club. They appreciate how the staff support children's individual needs to enable them to benefit from the activities and resources. All children are well supported, including those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Children develop an understanding of good hygiene. They follow handwashing routines before mealtimes, and take turns to serve one another at the serving hatch. Staff encourage children to make healthy choices from the range of fruit and vegetables.

However, staff do not always follow hygiene procedures when preparing snacks. Staff observe children's individual dietary needs. They encourage children to drink plenty of water during the session.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider and staff have a good understanding of their responsibilities to safeguard children. Staff all attend regular training to help keep their knowledge up to date.

They understand how to identify a child who may be at risk, including exposure to extreme ideas and behaviours. Staff know the procedures to follow to protect children. In addition, they know who to contact if they have a concern about adults.

The staff complete risk assessments on the premises and garden area. Effective systems are in place to make sure that only known adults collect children. This helps to keep children safe.

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