Cambridge Kids Club @ Cottenham

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this vibrant, welcoming setting. They settle quickly and have warm relationships with staff.

Staff work well with parents so that they understand children's needs and interests. They use this information to offer resources and activities that children enjoy and that support them in building on their skills and knowledge while having fun. The positive environment created by staff aids children in gaining valuable skills that support their learning.

For instance, children making 'slime' persevere by varying the ingredients until they create the right consistency. Staff prioritise child...ren's safety and supervise them well. They offer children ongoing explanations and children show they have understood these, using their knowledge as they play.

For instance, children assess risks at the park, deciding whether they can safely climb the large play equipment. Staff are good role models and support children well in managing their behaviour. Children respond to this and are kind and considerate towards one another.

They readily share resources and explain their play to others, enabling them to join in. Children have many opportunities that support them in developing their physical skills. They visit the nearby park, where they run, jump, balance and climb.

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

The director and senior staff demonstrate their enthusiasm for their work and continuously review practice at the club. They evaluate this honestly, recognising their strengths and also noting areas that can be improved. They are currently looking at ways to integrate the club further into the community and offer a sustainable service that continues to be responsive to local needs.

The play leader offers staff effective supervision and is supported well by senior staff. They check on staff's well-being and support them in developing their practice further. For example, the company provides individual training that supports staff in developing leadership skills.

Staff successfully provide opportunities for children to rest and relax after a busy day at school and during the holidays, while offering them options to participate in interesting activities. They interact well with children, joining them in their chosen play. For example, children and staff look at football cards, laughing and giggling as they check and match the cards and name the teams.

Staff pay attention to children's interests and respond swiftly to their requests, helping children to feel valued and to enjoy their free time. For example, staff note children's interest in a pot of ready made 'slime'. They quickly adapt the planning and offer children the opportunity to make their own 'slime'.

Children thoroughly enjoy this, developing their skills in communication and exploration as they try out different recipes and share their ideas and findings.Thoughtful daily procedures aid children in learning to make decisions, in listening to others, negotiating and compromising. For instance, children work with staff to look through a file containing activity ideas.

They discuss these and reach a decision regarding the activities they would like to do during the session.Staff make good use of ongoing discussions to support children in understanding and respecting differences. For example, staff and children share information about their home life, traditions, sports and cultures.

Children work well together, aiding them in gaining skills that support their formal learning. For example, children playing with a large construction set work cooperatively as they construct models. They develop their language as they explain what they have made, learning new vocabulary as they talk about 'connectors' and 'stabilising the structure'.

Parents speak positively about the club and state their children enjoy attending. Staff communicate well with parents so that they know what children will be doing and how these activities went. The senior team regularly seek feedback from parents and children, acting positively on any ideas and suggestions.

Furthermore, they meet regularly with the schools children attend, enabling them to gain a greater understanding of children's needs and provide consistent care.

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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