Growing Places @ Berewood

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Growing Places @ Berewood provides a safe, supportive and engaging environment for children to relax after their busy school day. Staff are attentive, nurturing and responsive to the individual needs of each child, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Children benefit from a well-organised and predictable routine, that includes structured activities and free play.Staff offer enriching experiences for children that complement children's learning in school. Activities are thoughtfully planned and tailored to meet the needs and preferences of children across different age groups and abilities.

Children relish oppo...rtunities to play outside, with football games and use of the trim trail as firm favourites. Children are encouraged to explore new interests and show a keenness to join in activities. They develop new skills and build confidence through hands-on experiences.

For example, they expertly follow the clear instructions of staff during a baking activity when making cheese straws for snack.Children's behaviour is very positive. They are respectful of the group rules, showing a keenness to contribute to the overall calm atmosphere in the club.

Older children act as strong role models for the younger children and readily join in their games. Staff provide consistent messages so that children understand expectations. Children are active participants in the smooth running of the club, as they take on lead roles as snack helpers or health and safety officers.

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

The leadership team demonstrate exceptional dedication and professionalism in overseeing the day-today operations of the club. The club is well resourced and policies and procedures for safeguarding, health and safety are rigorously implemented. Opportunities for staff development and continuous improvement ensure staff develop their skills.

Staff's ongoing commitment successfully contributes to the high standard and good quality in the club.The onsite staff team place a strong focus on promoting the welfare and enjoyment of the children in their care. Staff morale is high and children benefit greatly from the positive energy of the team.

Staff use their specialist skills and experience to good effect, to foster children's sense of belonging and support their well-being very effectively. Children are central to what they do. For example, staff take photographs of a child's impressive construction model so that they are able to keep a memory of this before putting it away.

Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is a key strength of the club. Staff foster trusting relationships with children, including through one-to-one support. They are on hand to help children navigate social situations so that children feel valued, understood and included.

Children benefit immensely from the support of a familiar adult, who knows their needs well.Children's good health is consistently promoted. They are offered a healthy range of snacks and light meals that are reflective of children's requirements and preferences.

Children show high levels of confidence and independence as they prepare their own snacks. Staff arrange celebrations for important milestones, such as birthdays, and value children's efforts through their contribution to group rules and ideas for activities.Children's emotional well-being is given high priority.

They know they have someone to talk to in the event they feel worried. Well-placed resources, such as an interactive worry plaque, provide children with a useful point of contact to share any worries. Staff are quick to respond with gentle guidance and a friendly hug and reassurance, when needed.

Strong partnerships with parents, carers and the school community ensure that the needs and preferences of the families attending are reflected well in the provision. Information sharing is focused on safeguarding children and meeting their needs to a high level. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the service.

In particular, they highlight the commitment of the staff team, the flexibility afforded to them as working parents and the individual care shown to their children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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