Hessle Aces @ Penshurst

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy, confident and develop positive attitudes and behaviour. For example, they follow the club's rules to keep themselves and others safe. Children join in enthusiastically with the games and activities provided, and take part in planned activities which complement their learning in school.

The caring staff help them to feel at ease and relax after their school day. The staff ensure any new and early years children are happy and can build positive relationships with other children. Children are confident with the routines of the club.

For example, older children are happy to wait for younger children to have... their snack first. Children enjoy sitting together where staff praise them for good manners, helping and sharing. Children's behaviour is very good.

This creates a lovely social experience where children have fun and laugh together as they play. Children enjoy being creative and imaginative at the art tables, using a wide variety of craft and drawing materials. For example, they create band bracelets for their friends and draw pictures for family members who are sad about the monarch passing.

Staff ensure children have opportunities to play outdoors for long periods. Children thoroughly enjoy using the timber agility course, running and playing ball games together. Staff gently remind children of the risks they must think about, to keep everyone safe.

Children respond positively.

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

Staff are welcoming and friendly. Children develop close bonds with them.

They know the children well and promote their emotional development effectively. For example, they greet each child by name on their arrival, and take time to find out about their school day and how they are feeling.The experienced staff fully understand their roles and responsibilities in the club.

They observe, note and listen to children's interests which they then include in future play plans. For example, staff are preparing to help children extend their interest in building campfires by arranging a visit to the club from the fire service.Partnerships with parents are very good.

For instance, parents report that they are very happy with the care their children receive. They add that staff are always available to discuss any achievements or concerns with them. They say they are kept updated on the planning of events and activities.

Parents and children are regularly asked for their thoughts and suggestions on how to improve the club.The club has good links with the host school and with teachers of the children in the early years age range. A key member of staff works in the school, which benefits children and families.

This helps to ensure continuity. The procedure for the arrival and departure of children is effective, ensuring that children continue to be safe at all times. Staff record all accidents and incidents.

The manager and leaders review the records to identify and minimise any repeated risks to children.Children learn about healthy lifestyles and develop good levels of independence. However, staff recognise that there are more opportunities where these skills can be built upon, particularly during mealtimes.

Children help themselves to fresh water.Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well. They work closely with parents and school professionals to meet all children's individual needs at the club.

Staff are used well. They work well together to ensure that children's safety is fully promoted at all times. Leaders offer yearly appraisals to staff and regular supervision sessions where staff can discuss their role and ongoing training needs.

Staff keep up to date with current practice and receive regular training. For example, they have recently updated their food safety training to ensure high standards.Leaders have an accurate evaluation of staff practice and the service provided.

They have identified positive actions to help drive further improvements, such as supporting staff's ongoing professional development into a management position. Staff's well-being is considered at all times.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and staff have a secure knowledge of safeguarding practices and how to keep children in their care safe. They are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms that might indicate that a child is at risk from harm. Staff confidently discuss local safeguarding procedures and the steps to take should concern for a child's well-being arise.

They attend regular safeguarding training to ensure their knowledge is current. Staff are aware that some families may be vulnerable to extreme views and ideas. They demonstrate a secure understanding of the procedure to follow should an allegation be made against them or another staff member.