Elm Grove Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are warmly welcomed into this club. Children know the routines and quickly choose from an inviting selection of healthy foods for tea. As they eat and unwind at the end of a busy time in school, they watch cartoons or talk to staff about their day.

Children are independent, happy and confident. They develop very good social skills and make new friendships. Children listen carefully to staff, who model respectful behaviour.

Children behave very well and help each other to stay safe. For example, they talk about how to use scissors safely.Childr...en choose from a good range of fun activities that keep them motivated and engaged.

For example, children spend some time creatively making bracelets and threading beads. Others enjoy making cakes for their friends to eat. Some children relax as they draw and colour or read a book.

They can choose to be active and play outdoors in all weathers in the school playgrounds. Children play ball games, climb and learn new skills, such as how to juggle, with the enthusiastic staff. They comment on the staff being kind and fun.

Children say that cooking and creative play are their favourite activities.

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

The manager and staff consistently support children's good behaviour. Staff praise and encourage children's efforts to help build their self-esteem.

Children are polite and follow the rules and boundaries. They cooperate and show consideration for one another as they play together.Staff encourage children to use their own ideas and solve problems.

For example, children concentrate and persevere as they build models. They self-select resources and work out ways to fix boxes and card together with tape or glue. When they have finished, they proudly demonstrate their creations.

Staff use children's ideas for activities and follow their interests. For example, staff help children to make 'slime' at their request. Children choose where they wish to be and readily include staff in their play, such as tag games outside.

However, the manager recognises that she needs to help some staff focus more on supporting younger children to play.Children learn about keeping themselves healthy. They are provided with a choice of seasonal healthy foods, including fruit for tea.

Staff talk about food that is good for you. They are fully aware of children's individual allergies and dietary needs and ensure these are met. Children follow good hygiene practices, including washing their hands when needed.

Staff took action during COVID-19 to minimise risks to children, such as removing cushions and furnishings that could not be easily washed. Following feedback from children, they intend to reinstate a cosy space where children can sit quietly and rest when the club is busy.The experienced manager and staff team work well together.

The manager models her good practice as she works alongside staff. Staff have regular meetings to discuss their care of the children, consider their own well-being and areas of their work to develop further. Staff say they are well supported and happy in their work.

This helps to provide a good experience for the children.The club is a valued part of the school community. Children benefit from the strong links with the school.

Staff work in partnership with colleagues at the school to share information about the children in their care. If children need extra support, due to identified additional needs, or after a difficult day at school, this is provided effectively.Parents are happy with the provision.

They comment on how their children enjoy the activities provided and are happy to attend the club. They like how the staff are always friendly and caring. A committee of parents operates the club effectively, ensuring that staff are suitable to work with children.

They plan to improve the club's website to provide more information for parents about the children's activities.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff complete appropriate safeguarding training regularly and have a good understanding of what to do if they have a concern about a child's welfare.

They are clear about the procedures to follow. Staff are carefully checked to ensure they are suitable to work with children. They carry out risk assessments to help minimise any hazards in the environment.

The manager and staff supervise children carefully to help ensure they play safely. The premises are secure so that children cannot leave unsupervised and unexpected visitors cannot gain access. The manager ensures that a suitable number of staff hold an appropriate first-aid qualification to meet the needs of children in any potential medical emergency.

Also at this postcode