Cool Kidz @ Sacred Heart

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are eager to attend this after-school provision. Staff collect younger children from their classrooms and older children independently make their way to the setting to start their session.

Children eagerly talk with staff about their day and are excited to know the activities they can access. Staff are very attentive to children and there are lots of warm and humorous exchanges as children enter. Children are very considerate of one another.

For example, older children remind younger children of 'rules', such as washing their hands when using the bathroom. Children are extremely respectful of one another and all o...f the staff team.Staff carefully consider children's interests and incorporate these into planned opportunities.

For example, younger children enjoy making a 'horse hotel' using construction blocks while older children enjoy accessing laptops to play their favourite video games. The atmosphere is relaxed and children have the opportunity to access a wide range of age-appropriate activities. Staff are extremely skilful at guiding children's play.

They play alongside children, ask them questions and help them understand different concepts. For example, staff sit alongside children as they make jigsaws. They encourage children to look carefully at the finished picture to help them identify different pieces and solve problems.

Children are very independent and are able to instigate their own games. For example, they work alongside staff to discuss the rules of their football game and the best position to score that winning goal. Staff enthusiastically join in and slide across the floor when they score a goal.

Children delight in warm supportive interactions with adults.

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

Staff place children's needs and interests at the very centre of this setting. Activities are extremely well thought out.

For example, while eating snack all children watch a news programme designed for children. This gives opportunity for children to ask questions. Staff answer children's questions and offer reassurance.

This helps children to develop their curiosity and understanding of the world.Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff actively seek ideas from children and value their opinions.

All children listen carefully to staff and are eager to work together as a team to undertake tasks, such as tidying up before snack. Older children are given responsible jobs, such as making juice for snack or setting up the computers. This helps children to build their independence and self-esteem.

Staff meet all children's needs to the highest level. For example, they support children with special educational needs/and or disabilities through talking with parents and communicating with teachers. In addition, they share information with other professionals and signpost parents to local support networks which may be helpful for them.

This means that children's individual needs are understood by all of their carers and promotes high-quality care at all times.Children explore the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. There are lots of opportunities for exercise and children enjoy a range of freshly made snacks.

At times, they enjoy a special treat, such as 'chip butty day'. Children are beginning to understand that all things are good, in moderation.Partnerships with parents are extremely strong.

Staff build meaningful partnerships with parents, in order to learn about children's needs and how they can best support them. Parents state that staff work hard to create a 'family feel' and that children's transition from the school to the setting at the end of the day is 'seamless'. These partnerships help to support a consistency of care for children.

There are well established partnerships with staff from the on-site school. Comprehensive information is shared on children's needs and staff do all they can to complement learning in school. For example, they help younger children master the art of using scissors effectively.

All staff work closely together to meet each child's unique needs, from the start to the end of each day. This supports children's overall development and well-being.Staff genuinely relish caring for children and are superb role models.

They offer constant praise and support. For example, they remind children not to share each others' passwords as they use the school laptops. This instigates discussion on internet safety and supports children to understand potential dangers of using the internet.

Leadership and management are excellent. Senior leaders from the board of trustees are very active within the setting and visit staff regularly to offer their support. The manager is extremely effective at role modelling and offers high levels of mentoring to the staff team.

This promotes a culture of team work, which directly benefits children as staff offer 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.

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