Jay Jays Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive at the after-school club keen to explore the activities on offer and to talk to the staff and their friends. The club works in partnership with the school to ensure a safe transfer between the children's classrooms and the club. Children line up as they are carefully registered, chatting to each other and to the friendly staff.

Children follow the clearly understood routines, independently hanging up their coats and washing their hands before they come into the club. These familiar routines help to promote children's confidence and emotional security. Children consistently meet staff's high expectations for their co...nduct.

When asked, they stop what they are doing and listen carefully to questions or instructions from adults. Children are able to choose when they want to go outside to play. They independently put on a high-visibility jacket and sensibly make their way out.

Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise in the large outdoor space. They choose from a range of activities, enthusiastically supported by the lively staff. Children are supportive and kind to each other in a game of football, laughing and cheering as staff score a goal.

This demonstrates the positive relationships between children and staff.

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

Children are well supported to make healthy choices at the club. When they are thirsty, they help themselves to a drink of water and top up their bottles independently from a water dispenser.

They say that they need to do this to 'keep hydrated'. Children serve themselves from an appetising selection of snacks. They spread butter on their own cracker, adding toppings of their choice.

They help themselves to fruit and settle down to eat at the table with their friends. This shows how the club supports children to develop their independence and social skills.Club leaders take particular care to support children new to the club to settle quickly.

They run special sessions after breakfast club, where children who have not attended before come to play in a quieter environment and with more staff support. Parents and children complete an 'All About Me' booklet prior to starting at the club. This includes information about likes and dislikes and details of the other special people in the child's life, including any pets.

Staff then use this information to talk to children who may be feeling unsure of their new surroundings. This ensures that children feel safe and emotionally secure.Children have lots of fun playing in a doctor's surgery role-play area.

Staff sensitively encourage them in their imaginative play, joining in with the role play and asking questions. Children speak kindly to each other, taking on the roles of doctor and patient, saying 'Can I help you?' and asking, 'Are you all right?' Children work cooperatively to bandage each other's arms and legs and discuss how they can help the patients. This helps to develop children's respect and recognition of those people who help them.

Children speak enthusiastically about the weekly baking sessions at the club. Children work together to make a range of cakes and savoury dishes, expertly supported by a member of staff who is a baking specialist. They learn about food hygiene and different cooking techniques.

This supports children to develop their confidence and independence and to develop their talents.Staff report that they are well supported by club leaders. They say that they enjoy working at the club and appreciate the family feel of the setting.

Staff meet regularly with leaders to discuss their professional development and any training needs. This ensures that staff are continually enhancing and improving their skills.The club has a sharp focus on keeping children safe.

Staff conduct a daily risk assessment of the premises, including the outdoor area, where children help to lock the gate and check that the playground is secure. Staff attend regular safeguarding training and work in a close partnership with the school to ensure that key information is shared. This ensures that children are safe and their well-being is supported.

Parents are highly complimentary about the care their children receive at the club. They say that their children have grown in independence since attending the club and that their children look forward to the sessions. They feel well informed about their child's time at the club and say that the staff are 'like a second family'.

This demonstrates the positive partnership between the club and parents.

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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