Corbridge Kids Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The manager and staff are committed to giving children the best possible care and experiences in this before- and after-school club.

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the club. Parents comment that their children are excited and enthusiastic to attend. Children say that they look forward to coming to the club and often do not want to leave.

Children are happy, settled, confident and have lots of choices about what they want to do. For instance, staff actively ask children for ideas for activities. Staff also gather parents' and children's views through a suggestions book.

There is a calm, warm and purposeful... atmosphere in the club. Staff listen to children and respect their views. They are mindful that children may want to relax after their day in school.

Staff therefore provide areas where children can quietly read, complete their homework or watch television. Children have clear routines and know where to find their favourite toys. Older children are very kind to younger children.

For instance, they pass down boxes of resources which their younger friends find difficult to reach. Children behave exceptionally well.Staff work hard to meet all children's needs.

They make sure that all children know that they are listened to, valued and important. Children have lovely attachments with staff. They speak about staff fondly and are genuinely pleased to see them.

Staff are kind, caring and good play partners. They follow and extend children's ideas. Staff make sure that children play in safe, secure and hygienic premises.

For instance, they use closed-circuit television to make sure they know who is at the door. Staff make sure that children wash their hands before eating and after visiting the chickens.

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

Staff provide a range of resources and activities which meet children's interests, ages and stages of development.

Children enter the club very happily and immediately settle to activities that interest them. They play cooperatively together and show high levels of engagement in activities.Older children are keen to plan and lead activities.

For example, they lead a planting activity and read the story of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' to all children. Children show pride in their achievements, such as they are keen to take the beans they have planted home to show their parents. Staff give children lots of praise and encourage children to applaud their friends' achievements.

Staff help children to understand about each other and people in their community. For instance, they provide books and resources for children that reflect differences between people. Children experience giving to charity.

For instance, staff and children have sponsored a guide dog.Children have many opportunities to develop their understanding of the world around them. For instance, they plant vegetables for the allotment and collect eggs from the chickens.

Children excitedly ask staff if they can have the eggs scrambled for their breakfast the next morning.Staff promote healthy lifestyles. Children have daily opportunities to be play outside in the fresh air.

Staff offer children nutritious light meals. Children enjoy lots of fruit and yogurt for their dessert. Staff are aware of restricting screentime for those children who want to play on the club's electronic games console.

The club has an open-door policy and staff welcome parents warmly when they collect their children. Staff share information verbally with parents at the end of each session. Parents are extremely complimentary about the service the club provides and state it is an important part of their community.

They report that staff have helped their children's communication and self-confidence, and also helped them to build relationships.Children are independent in the club. For instance, they choose whether they want a sandwich, wrap or toastie for tea.

Staff encourage children, who wish to, to make their own tea. Children very confidently pour their own drinks and clear away their plates.Staff engage in lovely conversations with children.

Children are keen to chat with staff about their day at school and home experiences. Staff encourage children to make decisions about their time in the club. For instance, children decide on what to display on the walls and the activities they would like to do.

Staff provide activities which complement children's learning at school. They provide lots of books for children to read. Younger children develop their imaginations.

For instance, they play happily together in the role-play area, pretending to be at the shops.Staff work well with staff from the onsite school. They exchange information each day with school staff, passing on important information to parents.

Parents very much appreciate this effective information-sharing.Children have lots of opportunities to develop their physical skills. They play on the field, playground and forest area.

Children practise their ball skills and show staff their gymnastic skills.The manager supports her staff well. She offers them regular appraisals and training.

Staff enjoy working in the club and comment they very much appreciate the support which the manager gives them.

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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