Good Shepherd After School Club at Chaulden Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are well occupied, warmly supported and cared for at the club. The atmosphere is happy and busy as they freely access interesting and engaging activities, which they enjoy.

Staff speak to children about their interests and what they like to do at home. This helps them to build strong relationships. Older and younger children are eager to chat and share their ideas.

They particularly enjoy expressing their creativity through painting activities. They explore different ways to make butterflies using paint. They find out how to fold the paper and press the paint onto both sides to make a mirror image.

Childr...en show visitors their craft activities, proudly describing how they made the butterfly. They point out other things they have made and are eager to take them home to share with their families. Staff are mindful of children's emotional needs and take care to inform them of any changes at club, such as visitors.

They take time to listen to and answer children's questions, taking an interest in what children have to say. This helps children's developing self-confidence. Staff praise children for trying new things and for having a go, for example as they rebuild a wooden tower they have knocked over.

Staff remind children of the rules and boundaries of the club in a gentle way. Children's behaviour is positive, and they get on well with their friends. For example, older children help the younger children to find toys they need, such as a ball to play a game of skittles.

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

The club is overseen by a responsible provider, who has a clear understanding of the requirements of their registration. She has strong oversight of the setting to maintain high-quality care. The provider and manager work closely together to make sure that all relevant information is exchanged between them.

This ensures that any issues that may arise are dealt with swiftly.Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are cared for by staff who have a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Staff coordinate with parents and other settings that children attend, as well as any other professionals in their lives.

This helps them to respond and adapt to children's specific requirements.Children enjoy developing their physical skills, with gentle support from staff. They kick balls to staff and each other, climb and balance on outdoor play equipment, and enjoy setting up games of skittles, throwing and catching.

They negotiate an obstacle course, receiving lots of encouragement from staff.Staff shape the daily routine to meet the needs of all the children. Staff use the regular routine to support children to move between activities.

For example, they use a series of claps to inform children that it is time to tidy up and join as a group, or to have snack. The children respond by clapping back and readily move to the next activity.The manager and the provider give regular feedback to staff to support the improvement in their work.

Staff promote good relationships and robust information sharing with parents and carers from the start. Parents report that their children enjoy coming to the club, and they welcome the information they receive about their children's day.Children are welcomed warmly by staff, who use group times to remind them of boundaries and to introduce newer children to the activity plan and expectations of the day.

Children know who to speak to if they have any issues. They appear settled and happy and know what is expected of them. For example, they know where to put their bags and coats before going to engage with their chosen activity.

Staff, including those who have recently joined, are knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities to support and protect children. The provider and the manager offer a broad range of training so that staff can continuously improve their knowledge and practice. For example, they encourage and facilitate staff to complete relevant formal qualifications.

Staff are engaged and interested and report that they enjoy their work at the club. They feel able to share any concerns they may have and state that they feel supported and valued.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Safeguarding arrangements are underpinned by clear policies and procedures. These are well understood by leaders and staff, which helps them to protect children in their care. Staff are able to give clear explanations of steps to be taken in the event of any concern about a child or staff member.

All staff have attended relevant training and have a thorough understanding of the reporting procedures for sharing any concerns about staff or children. Staff have all undergone appropriate vetting checks. The provider combines robust recruitment procedures with good oversight of their staff team to ensure their ongoing suitability to work with children.

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