Conker Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happy and keen to see the staff at this warm and welcoming after-school club. Staff develop friendly relationships with the children and enjoy finding out about their likes and interests.

This helps to support children's emotional well-being. Staff are good role models and have high expectations of the children's behaviour. Children are polite and treat each other well.

They are eager to share their news during 'show and tell' at the start of each session and particularly enjoy bringing in things from home. The manager celebrates successes with the children by awarding them a star to put on the Conker Club ...board. This promotes the children's sense of belonging.

Children say that they very much enjoy the arts and craft activities on offer. They enjoy using their imaginations when making dangling spiders and constructing models from construction bricks. Children have regular opportunities to be energetic in the large outdoor area.

They enthusiastically ride on scooters, climb on the equipment and throw, hit and kick balls with staff and each other. All children are stimulated and motivated and concentrate well on activities. Older children show care and consideration and willingly help younger ones when it is required.

The children are learning how to positively contribute to society.

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

Staff are highly attentive to meeting the children's needs. All staff members know the children well and refer to the Conker Club as a 'second family'.

Children benefit from the strong bonds that they have formed with their key person.Children develop good relationships with each other. Staff use praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour choices, while offering gentle reminders of the club rules when required.

Children behave well.Children know and anticipate the daily routines, such as the sharing of news at the start of each session and washing hands before tea. Children are becoming aware of the need for good hygiene practices and how to prevent the spread of infections.

Children have regular access to be physically active in the large outdoor area. Children are provided with snack and tea and have access to drinks. However, currently staff do not always offer them the healthiest options or encourage them to learn about the importance of healthy choices.

The manager intends to develop this aspect of the provision.Children are confident and self-assured. The activities provided are carefully considered to take account of children's ages, stages of development and interests.

Children make decisions about their own play. For example, they use photos to choose resources from storage areas. Children are developing their independence skills and enjoy playing on their own, with friends and with staff at the well-resourced club.

Partnerships with parents are good. Parents say they are very happy with the care their children receive. They feel that their children are safe, happy, and well stimulated.

Parents report that their children very much enjoy arts and crafts and playing outside on the climbing frame, often not wanting to leave at home time. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child's welfare and staff communicate successfully with the school to ensure continuity of care and that all children's needs are met.The manager understands how to reflect on the quality of the provision.

She identifies areas for further development through observations and supervisions, as well as talking to parents, children, and staff. Staff feel well supported and access quality training experiences to develop their practice. This reflective practice ensures that the club continually develops its own practice and offers high-quality care for all.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider ensures all those involved in the club are suitable to hold their positions. They follow robust recruitment procedures and carry out the relevant checks required for new staff members.

The manager and staff attend regular safeguarding training. All staff have a good understanding of how to spot the possible signs of neglect or abuse and how to respond to any concerns. Staff are vigilant when monitoring the children and deployed well across all areas accessed by the children in this secure setting.

Also at this postcode