C.A.T.S Club @ Maynards Green

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff provide a warm welcome for children arriving from school. Children settle quickly with their friends, helping themselves to a drink and snack.

While they eat, staff sit and talk with them. They listen carefully and give children time and space to reflect on their experiences during the day. This helps to develop a sense of well-being and provides children with emotional security.

Staff share planned routines and activities with children at the start of the session. This presents children with a framework for the afternoon and gives them a chance to add their own ideas. For example, some children choose to draw, while... others prefer to paint.

Children develop a sense of ownership and pride in the after-school club.Staff build strong relationships with the children. For instance, children spend time talking about their likes and dislikes, and about their families.

This helps staff develop a good understanding of the children and their unique personalities. They use what they know to plan an appropriate set of experiences and activities for every child.Staff provide a safe environment for children, inside and outside.

Children have space to let off energy, as well as cosier spaces for quieter play. Older children help younger children settle and are mindful of their needs when they play together. Staff have high expectations for children's good behaviour.

They are consistent in addressing any unwanted behaviour quickly. This helps children understand the after-school club rules and to self-regulate their own feelings and attitudes.

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

Leaders support staff to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to provide a stimulating and safe environment for all children.

They engage in regular meetings to provide support and training. Staff well-being is high and their good practice demonstrates their commitment to providing a fun after-school club for all children.Staff adapt and prepare activities with children, who are highly involved in the planning process.

For instance, when children want to make paper aeroplanes, staff provide the resources they need and some fresh ideas to increase children's engagement and fun. Young children confidently ask for their favourite toys.Staff encourage children to spend time outside in the fresh air.

Children benefit from having a large outdoor area, where they can run, climb, kick footballs and use skipping ropes. They enjoy using the outdoor equipment to develop their imaginations, when they create role-play scenarios with one another.The fun-loving staff provide children with good personal care and attention.

They know children's personalities and interests well. The room is full of the lovely sound of laughter and giggles when children share jokes, stories and anecdotes with staff. This helps children develop stronger relationships with the staff and with one another.

Children play well together. When they find it hard to manage their feelings and behaviour, staff step in to help them understand the way they are feeling. Staff are mindful that children have had a long day in school, and they respect the need for children to have an outlet for their feelings and emotions.

There are occasions when older children do not have more challenging activities available to engage them and to prevent unwanted behaviour. Overall though, staff guide children to make better choices about their behaviour to keep everyone safe and happy.Staff provide children with plenty of snacks and meals.

They talk with children about making healthy choices, although there is sometimes inconsistency in what they provide. For example, children only have fruit juice available to drink, which does not consistently promote their understanding of good oral health.Staff encourage children to explore their environment and to be creative.

When there is a light rain shower, children run out to experience the rain on their faces. They delight in drawing pictures of themselves for the after-school club mural. Young children enjoy playing with dolls, completing jigsaw puzzles and joining in with a game of football with older children.

Staff work closely with parents and other professionals, such as teachers. They gather good information about children before they start. They update this regularly, including when children are collected by parents and carers at the end of the day.

Staff know how to signpost parents and carers to other support they may need.

Safeguarding

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

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