C.A.T.S Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff work hard to create a safe, welcoming environment, where children feel comfortable and secure.

They build warm, positive relationships with children, who come to the club happily and go to staff readily for comfort or support. Children respond well to staff's clear guidance and expectations. They remember the reason for rules such as not running inside and being kind to their friends.

Staff are good role models and demonstrate how to resolve any squabbles, helping children quickly learn to negotiate and cooperate with each other. Staff focus on offering children a variety of experiences that complement their time at ...school. They encourage children to freely make choices about what they want to do.

Children enjoy relaxing with their friends, being creative or playing games. They proudly share their models and paintings with staff, who praise them and value their achievements. Staff adapt activities successfully to match the differing ages of children attending.

For example, older children independently create more complex models with construction materials while staff support those who are younger. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language, benefit from staff who are sensitive to their needs and value them as unique individuals. For example, staff encourage children to use their home languages in the club and to help teach other children about different cultures and beliefs.

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

Since the last inspection, managers have made important changes to the setting to ensure requirements are met. All staff have updated their knowledge of how to keep children safe. They understand the procedures to follow if they have safeguarding concerns and know how to check the environment thoroughly to identify and reduce hazards.

For example, staff restrict children's access to any areas of the premises that may be unsafe. These improvements help promote children's safety and well-being.Staff receive effective support and training to help them develop their skills.

Managers now use supervision sessions more effectively to monitor staff practice and make sure they do not have any gaps in their knowledge. Staff regularly reflect on the provision and are motivated to make changes where needed. For example, they recently adjusted the snack time routine so that it is less disruptive to children's play.

Behaviour at the club is good. Staff establish clear routines that children quickly become familiar with. Children understand what is expected of them and cooperate with staff well.

They put their belongings away when they arrive, take turns and share resources, and help tidy activities away before tea. Older children include their younger friends in their games and children are thoughtful and kind to each other.There is a strong focus on encouraging children to be independent at the club.

Staff involve children in decisions and welcome their suggestions and ideas. Children confidently select their own resources and set up activities and games. They gain a sense of belonging and are proud to do things for themselves.

Children enjoy taking part in a range of interesting activities indoors at the club. Staff have also ensured the outdoor area is now safe and suitable for use, but they are still working on making it a more welcoming play space. In the meantime, they also use the adjoining field for activities that children enjoy, such as sports, and make sure children spend some time outside each day.

Staff promote children's good health well. They offer children a varied menu for tea, encourage them to eat fruit for their snack, and talk to them about how to live a healthy lifestyle. Children confidently talk about food that is good for them and understand why they need to wash their hands before they eat.

There are positive relationships with parents. Staff are careful to gather detailed information about children before they start and encourage parents to bring them for settling-in visits. Parents value the flexibility the club offers and the friendly, well-established staff team.

Staff keep parents well informed, for instance, through daily handover discussions and by email, so that children benefit from a consistent approach.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.