Grove Community project at James Watt School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are confident and happy in this welcoming and nurturing environment.

They are eager to attend the club after a busy day at school and receive a warm welcome from staff. Children settle quickly in the environment and in the familiar routines. For example, they take care of their belongings, placing them on coat pegs to collect later when they go home.

They wash their hands and sit with their friends to enjoy a light tea. This usually comprises a sandwich or toastie with a choice of fillings or spreads followed by fruit. They also have plenty of water and fill their own bottles or use one of the club's cups to drink... from.

This helps children to keep themselves hydrated and promotes their good health.There is a focus on equality within the club. All children are valued and respected and staff take time to talk with the children.

Throughout the session, children and staff interact well and build solid relationships. Older children involve younger ones in their games. Staff encourage them to play games that they can all take part in.

They have fun, laugh and share jokes as they play together and talk about what they intend to do on the weekend.

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

Staff's continuous professional development and well-being are supported by leaders from their nursery setting and one another. Effective supervision arrangements ensure that all staff understand their roles and responsibilities.

Staff have a clear vision for their club. They work very well together, value one another and adopt a culture of mutual respect. They are keen to exchange information or ideas gained from training or research that they conduct individually or at team meetings.

These opportunities help staff to evaluate and raise the quality of the provision for children.Staff work closely with the staff in the host school. They have recently introduced books that children can take with them to relay messages to help with communication and consistency.

Staff also exchange relevant information about the children's interests and progress. They use what they find out to provide experiences for children which complement their learning experiences at school.Parents speak highly of the club and express that they feel staff are friendly and approachable.

They are very appreciative and explain how having the children in club has helped them to return to work or find new jobs after the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents explain that their children tell them how much they enjoy attending.Children are very included in their club and enjoy helping to select and plan opportunities for the following days and weeks.

They talk about what activities they have enjoyed at home or elsewhere and about celebrating various festivals or special days with their families and friends. Children take part in creative activities, such as making cards and gifts to give to important people in their lives and drawing pictures to take home.Staff are good role models and recognise that children benefit through the relaxed environment.

They encourage children to be aware of their own well-being and provide plenty of opportunities for children to share their views and feelings. Children receive praise and encouragement and are proud to show their achievements. They behave well and show that they feel safe and secure at club.

Children use good manners and are polite and confident when speaking to staff and visitors.Children are caring and considerate of one another. Younger children follow the guidance from older children, who know and model the club rules and expectations.

They play well together and enjoy various activities as they make friends with others in different year groups.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff maintain a safe and secure environment for children.

They assess all areas before children arrive and take steps to minimise risks effectively. For example, outdoor equipment is not used in wet weather and children stay inside together when it is too dark to play outside. Staff keep their knowledge of child protection up to date.

They understand their responsibilities to assure children's safety and know how to record and report any concerns about a child's welfare or a colleague's conduct. There is always at least one designated staff lead to deal with any concerns, and they communicate with the host school as appropriate. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures are in place to ensure the staff are suitable to work at club.

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