Benton Dene Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are cared for in a home-from-home environment where children and staff feel like part of a big, happy family. Parents comment that their children love coming. Children demonstrate this as they run up and give staff cuddles before they leave in the evening.

Relationships between the host school and the club are excellent. Information sharing is detailed and precise. Some staff work both in the school and the club, and this helps children feel happy and safe in the club.

They greet staff enthusiastically when they arrive and are keen to share what they have been doing. Staff place children's emotional well-being at ...the heart of everything they do. Children are incredibly calm and purposefully engaged in their play.

For example, children enjoy reading books with their friends, while others choose to read books alone about their favourite superhero characters. Children behave very well. The club has a range of strategies in place to help children take responsibility for their own behaviour.

For example, it has implemented strategies to help children to manage their emotions and to understand how this can impact on their behaviour. Staff say that these strategies have helped children to regulate their behaviour.

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

Children have an excellent understanding of the rules and expectations of the setting.

They work with staff to develop rules for the club and the use of the equipment. Children have a clear understanding of what is expected of them as a result of this. They respond swiftly when they are reminded of the rules.

For example, they quickly stop running inside the club.Staff plan a stimulating play environment. There are a wide variety of resources available for children to develop their skills further.

For example, children are keen to practise their reading in the well-resourced book area. Children talk to staff about the activities that they would like to do the next day. For example, they enthusiastically plan to write Christmas lists.

Children engage in meaningful conversations with staff. Staff listen carefully to what children are saying. They use skilful questioning to encourage children to express their thoughts and ideas and expand on conversations.

Children listen intently as staff read children stories with very good expression.Children develop excellent relationships with children and staff and show mutual respect. Older children play alongside younger children.

They are incredibly keen to help younger children and make things for them. For example, older children confidently explain how they are making play dough for younger children. Staff take time to explain to children that they need to go and help another child.

They reassure them that they will return. Other staff respect children's wishes to read a book themselves and give children time to do this.Staff work well with parents.

They share information about what their children have been doing and what activities they will be taking part in. Parents speak highly about how their children benefit from attending the club. One parent comments that she could not have provided her child with the range of activities that the club has.

Professional development is strong. Staff say that they are very well supported. Newer members of staff value the support that they are given from other members of staff, as well as managers.

Staff are encouraged to further their own qualifications and careers. Robust supervision procedures help to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children and have a very strong understanding of their role.Children develop a strong understanding of how they can keep themselves healthy.

Staff give clear messages to all children about healthy eating. They provide fruit and vegetables for children to help themselves to as they eat their sandwiches. Children enjoy playing outside and engage in more energetic play as they chase hoops.

Older children understand why too much screen time is not beneficial and adhere to the rules of the club around this.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have an excellent understanding of how to protect children from harm.

They know how to identify and report their concerns about children to keep them safe. All staff attend regular training, as well as meetings, to ensure that their safeguarding knowledge is up to date. Staff make sure that the club is safe and well maintained.

They act swiftly to deal with hazards. Managers ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children. Good recruitment and induction procedures help staff to understand their roles in keeping children safe.

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