First Friends After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children come bounding out of school and staff greet them warmly. They are happy to see their friends from different classes. Children walk sensibly around the school grounds to the club.

They are kind and considerate. On arrival at the club, children wait patiently for their turn to hang up their coat and bag. Older children hang their belongings on higher pegs to allow younger children to reach the lower ones.

Children settle very quickly. They show that they feel safe and happy. Children form secure relationships with staff, who are friendly and approachable.

Staff have high expectations for children's behaviou...r. Children follow instructions and behave well. They are quick to help when asked to 'please clear the table' for snack.

Music plays in the background and creates a relaxed atmosphere. Children are eager to join in activities. They say that they 'have fun' at the club and they 'really like playing with' their friends.

Younger children spend a long time building a train track. They concentrate as they push the pieces of track together carefully. Older children get creative in the 'quiet zone' and play card games together.

Staff willingly participate in children's play and make sure that all feel included.

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

Managers are evaluative. They reflect on the provision and put action plans in place when appropriate.

Managers ensure that staff have relevant, up-to-date training. They feel strongly about promoting staff well-being and operate an open-door policy. Staff enjoy working at this club.

They say they feel 'extremely well supported by managers' and that they 'can go to them with issues anytime'.There is a wide range of toys and resources for children to play with. Staff consider the individual children attending each session and plan activities based on their interests.

Children explore the environment with confidence and engage eagerly in a variety of different activities, such as small-world play, drawing, play dough, puzzles, card games and playing outdoors.Staff promote children's health and well-being. They look at the host school's menu before planning their meals to ensure children eat a balanced and varied diet.

Staff talk to children about hygiene routines, such as brushing their teeth. They promote outdoor play and take children to get fresh air and exercise daily. Children comment that playing outdoors is one of their favourite things about the club.

Children's opinions and preferences are thoughtfully considered by staff, who show a real interest in the children. They take the time to talk to children and get to know them well. Children make choices about what they would like to do at the club and often help select and prepare activities.

They develop a sense of belonging and feel valued.Staff are keen to broaden children's sense of community. They take children out to play at a local park and explore a nearby woodland.

In warmer weather, they pack picnics for children to enjoy outdoors. Staff plan cake sales to raise additional funds for the club. They encourage older children to help run these to offer them opportunities to develop their independence and confidence.

Staff have developed a two-way relationship with the host school. They talk to teachers on handover and relay important messages to parents and carers. The school share their curriculum mapping for early years children and staff use this to plan activities to build on children's learning and development.

They know some of the strategies the school uses to support individual children and implement these within the club. This helps provide continuity of care for children.Parents speak fondly of the staff in this club and feel that they communicate well.

Staff speak to parents daily about their children's time at the club. They discuss what children have eaten, activities they have taken part in and any other pertinent messages. Staff also keep parents informed with updates, and news of upcoming events by emailing a newsletter.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Managers and staff take their responsibility to safeguard children very seriously. They attend regular training to keep their knowledge relevant.

Staff have secure knowledge of all aspects of safeguarding. They are confident in naming the types of abuse and identifying their signs and symptoms. Staff know how to record and report concerns about children and adults, including allegations made about a member of staff.

Managers have robust procedures in place to ensure the suitability of all staff. Staff supervise children well. They carry out daily risk assessments to maintain a safe environment for children to play in.

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