Bright Sparks Potterhanworth

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements When the children arrive at the club from school, the room becomes a hub of happy voices, and children are clearly pleased to see their friends.

They form strong friendships with each other, and children of all ages play well together. They particularly enjoy being outside in the fresh air. Children thoroughly enjoy challenging their physical skills on the 'trim trail' equipment.

They balance and climb safely. Children play football and learn to negotiate space safely and play as a team.Children enjoy having conversations with staff as they recall what has happened that day, such as going on a school trip.

They co...nfidently tell staff how they have learned to hold a nettle without being stung. Furthermore, they talk about making nettle soup and ask if they can make this in club. Staff value the children's voice and oblige by saying they will put this on the planning for next week.

Children ask for a track for their cars. Staff provide a length of pipe and challenge children to see who can make their car go the furthest. Children spend a long time at this activity, and get excited when their car goes further than the last time.

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

The provider is well organised and dedicated to running a successful out-of-school and holiday provision. All staff work well together and feel well supported in their roles. The provider arranges regular team meetings and encourages training.

This helps staff to reflect on their practice and continue to enhance their knowledge and skills.Staff have a good understanding of out-of-school care. They provide a different environment in contrast to children's day at school.

This offers children opportunities where they can relax and socialise with their friends. They can sit and read books on the cosy bean bags. Staff balance this well with opportunities for children to engage in stimulating activities that support their formal learning.

Staff build good relationships with parents, who say they are very happy with the club. Parents say their children enjoy the club and that they get into trouble with their children if they collect them early. Staff communicate well with parents through daily chats and emails.

Parents comment that staff pass on relevant information about the children's day, for example any accident or incident, children's behaviour, or messages from school. This ensures staff at the club can offer good continuity of care for the children.Staff have a good relationship with the school where children also attend.

Some of the staff work in the host school. They know what topics the children are learning at school. Overall, this helps to promote consistency in children's learning.

The provider acknowledges there is still scope to learn even more about individual children's learning in school and how this can be even better complemented in the club.Staff encourage children to be creative and to use their imagination. Children use their small motor muscles to cut up straws and create a 'pan-pipe-style' instrument.

Staff encourage children to behave well. If they need to remind children about their behaviour, it is done in a respectful way. For example, when children run inside, staff gently remind them to walk.

Before children go indoors from outside, staff remind them to use their indoor voices.Children are independent. They know to come in and place their bags and drinks bottles in the space provided, and go to wash their hands straightaway.

The chef provides a healthy teatime meal, for example vegetarian chilli and rice. Children make choices about what accompaniment they want from a large range of healthy snacks.Staff are on hand to provide resources when the children ask.

Children particularly enjoy mark-making activities which contributes to their writing skills. Staff provide clipboards and pens. Children create intricate pictures.

They tell visitors it is a design for a phone case. Children write a list of why friends are important. They ask their friends, who say, 'They help you when you're down'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider and staff have a thorough understanding of what the signs and symptoms are that may be a cause for a safeguarding concern. They know who to call to report concerns.

The provider ensures that all staff complete regular training to ensure that their safeguarding knowledge and skills remain up to date. All staff are appropriately recruited and inducted into their roles. Vetting checks are completed to ensure the suitability of staff.

Staff carry out regular risk assessments of the club and supervise children well in all areas. Staff follow well-organised procedures when collecting children from the host school. These measures help to keep children safe.

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