Empower Kids Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children who attend this out of school club are greeted by friendly staff as they arrive.

Staff ask them about their day and notice new features about them such as a recent haircut. Children have built good relationships with staff. They show warmth towards them and are keen to inform them of their recent achievements.

For example, children show staff drawings they have made of their favourite football players. Staff take interest and comment positively on children's efforts. Some children perform their new gymnastic moves.

They find space in the room to perform cartwheels and the splits. They smile and feel a sen...se of pride in their artistic skills. Staff show admiration and encouragement to children as they pursue their interests.

Many children particularly enjoy taking part in the outdoor activities on offer. They listen carefully to instructions from staff about how to participate in a team activity. Children throw beanbags into hoops and enjoy competing against each other.

They learn to coordinate their movements and navigate the space around them safely. Staff ensure the outdoor opportunities offered consider the needs of all children, as they recognise the importance of keeping physically active.

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

Children with health needs, special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.

Staff understand what children's needs are and how to respond to any symptoms which require attention. They liaise with school and parents to coordinate the support they need to put into place and consider how they plan activities for children to ensure everybody is included.Children benefit from a range of different activities.

They develop skills in sports and team games outdoors and have opportunities to express their creative skills indoors. Children use different building materials to create crystal shops and describe how coloured beads will be stored for purchasing. This reinforces mathematical concepts, such as volume and space alongside children's imagination.

Staff plan activities based on what they know about children. They incorporate children's interests into what they provide on a daily basis. They regularly liaise with school to find out what younger children have been learning and plan activities to complement this.

For example, they set out different animals in a tray to coincide with children's learning about animals which live in cold and warm climates. Children are keen to explore these activities, however, lose interest quickly, which reduces their learning potential.Parents comment positively about the club.

They appreciate the service that is provided and comment on the flexibility of the staff. They describe children as being happy to attend and enjoy the activities on offer. Parents are happy with the communication they receive about what their children have been doing and comment on the friendliness of the staff.

The knowledge and skills of staff are assessed regularly. Leaders identify training which is beneficial to improve experiences for children. Staff are keen to develop their own professional development and, as a result, some staff are in the process of completing further professional qualifications.

Leaders ensure any mandatory training is complete when required.Children benefit from receiving hot, healthy meals. Staff consider the benefit this has for children who have been in school all day and recognise the importance of having nutritionally balanced food after being physically active.

Children enjoy the food provided and talk about different combinations of food they have tried.Children behave well and show respect to one another. They show empathy towards younger children and help each other when they encounter difficulties.

Staff reinforce their behaviour expectations to children and role model using manners. As a result, children say please and thank you when they are served food.Leaders evaluate what activities they offer for children at the club.

They gather feedback from children and parents and take this into account when making improvements. They value children's input and are keen to enhance experiences for them.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff understand their responsibilities to keep children safe. They can identify signs which may indicate children are at risk of harm. They understand the importance of recording information and know the procedures they should follow if concerns arise.

Leaders ensure staff receive safeguarding training and ensure their knowledge is kept up to date. Leaders know what to do if an allegation is made against a member of staff and understand the importance of following procedures and sharing information with relevant agencies. Staff recognise the risks associated with using technology and are planning ways to support children's learning about keeping themselves safe when accessing the internet.

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