City Kids Afterschool Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive at the club happy and excited to see the staff.

They enthusiastically chat to staff about their day at school. Children form strong friendships and enjoy each other's company as they take part in crafts and board games. All children become deeply engaged in their chosen activity and learn to mix with children of all ages.

Children's behaviour is excellent. They share, take turns and use their manners. Staff provide opportunities for children to learn about different cultures and festivals.

Staff ensure that materials for craft activities are available throughout the club and children are free to ex...plore these materials independently. For example, children have fun making flags to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Staff offer lots of praise as children proudly wave their flags in the air.

Children say they love being at the club and they have lots of fun playing the different board games and exploring the role-play area. Staff are skilful at motivating children and encouraging them to join in activities. They give children opportunities throughout the session to make their own choices and decisions.

For example, older children ask to do their homework and staff offer support and guidance when needed.

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

The manager and staff work well together as a team and create an environment where children feel welcome. They act as excellent role models and talk to the children and one another respectfully.

Staff know the children and their individual personalities well.The manager conducts regular supervisions and offers support and feedback to staff, which helps to raise their practice to a higher level. Staff say they love working at the club and feel valued.

Staff turnover is low, providing continuity in children's care.Before new children start at the club, staff gather key information from parents, which enables them to cater for children's needs and interests. Partnerships with parents are good.

Staff communicate and share information with parents effectively on a daily basis. Parents say they are happy with the care their children receive and staff are very approachable and friendly. Parents also comment that their children ask to stay at the club for longer than they are supposed to because they are having so much fun.

Staff regularly communicate with school staff. They discuss children's individual needs, which helps them to recognise potential risks to children's well-being or health. The manager is currently reviewing arrangements for gathering additional information on what children are learning at school, to support continuity and consistency.

She has a network meeting planned with the headteacher from the local primary school to further establish strong links and good information sharing.Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Younger children ride on tricycles and scooters, being careful not to bump into their peers.

Staff are close by to supervise children and offer support when needed. Children work together as they use large weighing scales. They test out their ideas and make predictions.

Staff and children cheer and clap as they successfully balance the scales.The manager and leaders hold regular meetings to reflect on the service they provide and the experiences for children. For example, the manager has identified the need to improve the resources in the outdoor area for older children to further support their enjoyment.

Staff successfully help children to learn about good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating. Staff follow clear processes to ensure that children's dietary requirements are met. They provide healthy and nutritious snacks and support children to be independent.

Children pour their own drinks and use knives safely to butter bread and make their own sandwiches at mealtimes. Children display excellent table manners. Staff allow time for children to eat together, which makes this a relaxed and social occasion.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager, leaders and staff know their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children. They have a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is more vulnerable or at risk of harm.

Staff know how to refer any concerns about children's welfare to local safeguarding partners. There are safe recruitment procedures in place to ensure the suitability of staff who work with the children. Staff undertake regular training to ensure that they remain up to date with any changes that might affect their work with children.