Dream Big Kidz At Meridian Angel Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive in a calm and orderly fashion after a busy day at school. They are accompanied by school staff, who share relevant information about children with the after-school team.

This ensures there is continuity of care and transitions are seamless. Behaviour is very good. Children clearly understand the setting's rules.

They are kind and considerate to each other. For example, when playing with construction, they share the equipment appropriately. They make models together, listening carefully to other's ideas about how their structures could be improved.

Personal development is a strong feature of the pro...vision. Staff have high expectations and work hard to build children's confidence and self-esteem. Many opportunities are provided for children to follow their own interests and they are encouraged to do a range of things for themselves.

For example, children choose what they would like to play with and prepare their own snacks, deciding what kind of bread and fillings they would like to eat.Staff know that children need different activities at the end of the day. They plan a range of interesting creative experiences and many opportunities for children to be physically active outside.

Children who are tired are encouraged to have a rest or take a nap. The atmosphere is always calm and purposeful.

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

Links between the school and after-school club are strong.

Staff ask school staff for advice and support when necessary, to ensure all children are well supported, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Some staff work in both settings. This provides continuity and positively supports the youngest children's emotional security.

Staff make sure they know the children well. They encourage parents to share detailed information about their children before they start. This helps staff to support children as they settle in.

The provision is well planned, varied and stimulating. Inside, children make their own videos using creative software packages and play with musical instruments. Outside, they play games and make their own books.

Children are always working together in mixed-age groups, which supports their developing personal and social skills.

Relationships between staff and children are meaningful. Children's ideas and views are always valued.

Discussions are interesting and informative. For example, while eating a snack, children discuss the healthy vitamins different foods provide. Staff are attentive, making sure all children are included in activities.

Children's physical development is well supported. The outside space is large, with plenty of room for children to run and burn off their energy. Sports activities provide opportunities for children to experience being part of a team.

For example, children of all ages help staff set up a volleyball game. They learn the rules and work together with their team mates, negotiating with and supporting each other.Children enjoy sharing their experiences at school with their friends.

The youngest children retell the story of 'The Gruffalo' to a group of older children. They are confident and express themselves well. Most of the older children listen appropriately, however, on occasions, some of the older children need to be reminded to pay attention and focus on what their friends are saying.

The manager and staff strive to provide the best care they can. They regularly consider feedback from parents and children when evaluating the provision. Staff talk to each other daily about how activities could be improved, taking account of children's engagement and interest in them.

The manager understands the importance of ongoing professional development. She organises regular training for all staff, helping develop their knowledge and teaching practice. Staff report that they feel very well supported, both personally and professionally.

Children talk about how much they enjoy attending the setting. They highlight the wide range of creative activities and outside play as particular favourites. They also appreciate the freedom staff give them to choose activities and to follow their own interests.

Parents are extremely positive about the setting. They mention how much their children enjoy attending and how they often talk about what they have been doing when they come home. They feel communication is good.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and staff understand their roles and responsibilities in keeping children safe. They complete training to help them recognise the signs that a child may be at risk and securely understand the actions they should take if they have any concerns.

Staff have an awareness of safeguarding issues, including how children and their families may become exposed to extreme or radical views. All staff are subject to appropriate checks to ensure they are suitable to work with children and recruitment procedures are robust. Risk assessments are completed to ensure the premises and resources are always safe for children to use.

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