Crawshawbooth Out Of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy especially close bonds with staff at this 'homely' setting.

They rush in from school and eagerly share stories about their day with staff who are all too happy to listen. Children are relaxed, comfortable and feel secure, this is reflected in their very good behaviour. Children know what is expected from them and happily adhere to these rules and boundaries.

They clear their own plates, share resources and treat one another kindly without needing any support or prompts from the staff present. Staff use their close relationships with the children to ease any worries they may have and boost their self-esteem i...n the process. As a result, children really enjoy their time at this club.

The manager thoughtfully considers children's interests and embedded learning when organising activities for them. This means children enter the club feeling assured that something 'fun and amazing' will be on offer. Furthermore, the manager, who is very passionate about her role, carefully considers children's health and physical development.

For instance, she provides balanced, nutritious meals and encourages children to partake in physical activity. She ensures that children can access high energy games, both indoors and outdoors, so the weather is never a deterrent. For example, children practise dance and gymnastics moves that they have learned from outside of the setting.

They pass their skills on to their friends, patiently showing each other how to complete the moves step-by-step. Staff support children to share their talents with one another. They praise the children and compliment their different strengths.

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

Children describe their time at the club as 'amazing'. They value the staff, who are 'kind' and 'good to talk to'. Children recall happy memories and have nothing negative to say about their time at the club.

They look forward to attending the club after a long day of learning at school. They settle in instantly and clearly feel secure at the club. They share worries and concerns with staff that they have been thinking about at school.

Staff respond appropriately and quickly ease their minor issues. Children really appreciate this and leave conversations smiling and appeased.The manager has robust systems in place to risk assess the environment and activities on offer at the club.

She carefully considers any possible risks and puts measures in place to help to promote the safety of children. This means she is well prepared to respond appropriately should any accidents or incidents occur, even when outside of the club. For example, when children are walking to and from school or playing outside.

The manager has also adapted well to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic by helping to minimise any risk to children, for example by reducing the amount of visitors allowed on the premises.Children behave very well. They are considerate of their peers and follow rules and instructions with ease.

They are happy to help, for instance, by patiently showing their friends how to pass hard levels on computer games. Children are proud of their accomplishments, they rush to show staff when they have created some art or a new malleable dough sculpture. They beam with pride when staff praise their finished results.

The manager is dedicated to her role. She is committed to creating an environment in which children flourish. She regularly evaluates staff practice in order to maintain a high level of quality for children.

This includes ensuring the suitability of all staff, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and providing training for staff and herself. She recognises the usefulness of regular training to keep abreast of new approaches and wider safeguarding issues. Her strong self-evaluation means that she is consistently improving the club to create a good experience for all children who attend.

The manager and the staff maintain strong relationships with the local schools and the community in general. This means children experience consistent approaches in the different settings they attend and staff can provide further support for children that they receive in school, for example, should they struggle with managing their emotions. The manager and staff also recognise the importance of building good relationships and working in partnership with parents.

Parents value this. They appreciate that they can bring minor issues to the manager, who will swiftly deal with them.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager and staff demonstrate a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms which may indicate a child is being abused or neglected. They understand the necessary steps they must take should they have concerns for the safety of a child in their care. The manager, who is the designated safeguarding lead, fully recognises her responsibilities.

She knows the procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a member of staff. She also understands wider safeguarding issues and attends regular training to keep this knowledge updated. The manager completes thorough risk assessments in order to help to ensure the safety of children while attending the club.

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