Doodles Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are very happy attending this club. They arrive and immediately begin to relax after a day at school. Children have access to a wide range of activities that they thoroughly enjoy.

They choose where they want to play and who they want to play with. There is a free flow of play, indoors and outside, that children move between. This allows them to feel empowered in their environment.

Interactions between staff and children are positive and respectful. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement. They develop close friendships with their peers and giggle and laugh together as they play with various activities.<...br/>
Children work together to build water runs with construction materials. Older children kindly read stories to younger ones as they sit under the trees. Children receive excellent experiences to extend their creative thinking.

For example, they use their creativity to make kites from sticks, leaves and flower petals. Children work out how long the sticks and string need to be and then experiment with how to attach them to the kite. Children show absolute joy when they succeed in flying their kites.

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

Leadership is inspirational. The provider has a clear vision of excellence and an ethos that is understood and shared throughout the staff team. The club's ethos reflects that 'all children are unique' and the provider explains the importance of recognising children as individuals.

The outstanding practice demonstrated by everyone is firmly built on the deep respect they have for each other, the children and their families.Children enjoy conversing with the staff and articulately share their views about the club with the visiting inspector. They describe the setting as being 'amazing' and 'exciting'.

Children understand the benefits of being healthy. Staff offer children a variety of healthy options for snack. Children are reminded to remain hydrated after running about outside.

They know to wash their hands on entry to the club and how to maintain good hygiene. Staff follow children's dietary requirements effectively.Staff report excellent relationships with the school on site.

They communicate effectively with school staff. They obtain important information which enables them to fully meet the emotional and developmental needs of all children.Children have opportunities to enjoy fresh air and to develop their physical skills.

For example, they thoroughly enjoy using the outdoor school grounds for ball games. Children work together to create a challenging obstacle course, using a variety of resources. They learn to balance and negotiate the obstacle course independently.

Children try hard and show great determination to succeed at tasks. They are motivated to practise and refine their skills as they explore their own ideas. Children show that they have mastered these as they design and create their own dragon outside.

Older children invite younger children to discuss their ideas for the story. Children play harmoniously as they pretend to 'save their village'.Children use the skills they learn, such as colour mixing and printing, to produce unique artwork.

They experiment mixing paints and talk about what they think will happen to the colour and why. Staff introduce words such as 'opaque' and 'tone'.The provider and staff regularly review the provision.

They evaluate the activities and environment and make adjustments as necessary. Children's opinions are valued. Staff encourage children to talk about the things they would like to do.

The provider and staff team work cohesively together to ensure that the children are well cared for. The provider has a positive attitude to ensuring that staff's well-being is looked after. Staff say that they feel valued and are given opportunities to develop their careers.

Staff receive regular supervision sessions, which ensures that they understand their roles and responsibilities in the club.Parents are extremely complimentary about the club. They appreciate the good level of communication about their child's day and the interaction from staff.

They like how children can play with children of different ages and feel that this helps to build their relationships.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Safeguarding is effective.

The provider and staff have sound knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding and child protection policies. They all attend regular training to help keep their knowledge up to date. Staff understand how to identify a child who may be at risk of harm, including being exposed to extreme ideas and behaviours.

Staff know what to do in the event of an allegation being made against a colleague. Regular risk assessments ensure that the premises are secure at all times, and any potential hazards to children's safety are identified and minimised. Staff are well deployed to support children's individual needs.

Also at this postcode