Elvington After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements After their busy day at school, children are greeted warmly by staff. They clearly know and follow the safety rules as they walk from school to the club.

Children are excited as they arrive at the club and thoroughly enjoy the time they spend playing and chatting to the staff and friends about their day. Children are self-motivated and confident as they choose what to do, where to play and who to play with. They enjoy using the play dough, using their hands to mould various shapes and models.

Children are creative and imaginative. For example, older children draw intricate pictures and practise writing words as they design... Halloween bunting. Children competently meet their own care needs.

For example, they take responsibility to put their belongings into their named bags and wash their hands before eating. These opportunities help to develop children's growing independence.Children look forward to outdoor play, where they have many opportunities to burn off their energy.

They particularly enjoy playing games of football with friends and using the play equipment in the park. This helps to promote children's physical development while they run and exercise in the fresh air.

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

The manager has a clear aim for the club and what she hopes that children will benefit from by attending.

Staff share the vision to offer enriching activities for children in a fun, supportive and social environment.All staff build effective relationships with children, giving them reassurance, smiles and praise. They play alongside them and encourage them to try out activities.

Staff are sensitive to children's feelings, and support them well as they settle in. This helps children to form strong emotional attachments and to feel secure within the club.Children enjoy the company of staff and are happy at the club.

They have a good sense of belonging and positive levels of well-being and self-esteem. They say they enjoy coming to the club and playing with their friends. Children make choices about what they want to play with to lead their own learning.

Younger children enjoy pretending to cook food and invite the inspector to have a pretend cup of tea. However, some children say they would like even more opportunities to share their ideas about the activities they would like to see at the club.Staff have high expectations of children and use a range of strategies to successfully help them to manage their behaviour.

Children enjoy the praise they receive from staff. They play together harmoniously and behave well. Children know about the club's rules and how some of these are in place to keep themselves and others safe.

Older children at the club are kind and caring towards the younger children. For example, when they have finished the computer game, they help to restart it, so others can have a turn.Children are served healthy, freshly prepared meals at the club after school each day.

Staff are alert to any dietary and medical needs each child has and ensures their health and well-being are given the highest regard.The manager and the staff develop strong partnerships with parents and children's teachers. They share what they know about children's welfare needs and work together to help them feel safe and well cared for.

They talk to parents about things that happen during the school day as well as at the club. Parents have very positive views about the club. They appreciate the care that their children receive and how staff keep them entertained by the various activities on offer.

The manager supports her staff team effectively. She closely monitors the quality of care and play opportunities staff provide children. For example, she regularly observes staff as they interact and play with children and provides staff with helpful advice to support their future practice.

The manager encourages staff to reflect, evaluate and make plans for the ongoing development and improvement of the club.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and staff have a good understanding of how to protect children and understand the procedures to follow if they identify any concerns about a child's welfare.

All staff receive safeguarding training, ensuring they keep their knowledge current. Staff know what to do should they have concerns about the conduct of a colleague. Recruitment and selection processes are robust; the manager takes steps to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children.

Staff assess risks effectively. Children adhere to the rules. For example, as they walk from school to the club, they know they need to wear high-visibility jackets.

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