Jousters at Sheredes

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are very excited and eager to attend this welcoming and inclusive club. The friendly and enthusiastic staff collect the children from their classrooms.

Children immediately begin to relax after a day in school and settle quickly into the club routines. They know where to put their coats and bags before they sit down to have their tea. Staff show great respect for children and are very good role models.

Children's behaviour is excellent. They decide on the rules they want at the club, which helps to create ownership of how they behave. Children are cared for by familiar staff, as many also work in the host school.<...br/>
This helps children to settle quickly and feel safe. Staff are attentive and supportive, and children develop close bonds with them. Younger children have a key person who works closely with the school and parents to ensure that relevant information is shared, and children's well-being is effectively supported.

Children have a strong sense of belonging in the club. They are very welcoming and talk confidently to visitors. Children speak very fondly of the club and the staff team.

They enjoy taking part in the wide range of activities, which take place in the spacious rooms and outdoors. Staff provide a variety of stimulating toys and resources for children. Children take the lead in choosing what activity they take part in, and who they want to play with.

As a result, they become independent and enjoy playing with their friends. Children involve staff in their play, enjoying their company as they make things with dough, create structures with blocks or play a variety of popular games. There is a very happy and relaxed atmosphere, and staff clearly demonstrate that children are at the heart of everything they do.

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

The experienced provider is passionate about providing high-quality provision for children and their families. The club is managed very well, and the dedicated staff team ensure that all children have a happy and enjoyable experience. The manager and staff support each other and work extremely well together.

All staff are involved in her evaluation of the provision. They seek feedback from children about what they enjoy. Staff say that they feel very well supported and thoroughly enjoy their time working at the club.

Staff work hard to ensure that there is a clear distinction for children between their day at school and the time that they spend at the club. Children play happily together; for example, they patiently wait their turn as they play the dragon game, eagerly throwing the dice to see if it is a number they want. Younger children gather around the craft table and thoroughly enjoy using paint to make tyre tracks.

Children concentrate very well on their chosen tasks. Staff provide good opportunities for children who want to read or complete their homework.The manager and staff know the children and their individual personalities well.

They know what the children like to do, and this helps them to plan activities that will engage and interest them. For example, many children enjoy writing stories and using crayons and pens to colour pictures; staff provide many opportunities for this, such as 'colouring by numbers'. Children concentrate very well and are proud of their achievements.

Staff offer lots of praise, which helps to build their confidence and self-esteem.Staff create bright and interactive displays that celebrate the children's artwork. They encourage children to talk about what they have been learning in the club.

For example, children take part in many interesting activities linked to Remembrance Day, such as making poppies. Staff support their understanding of why we wear poppies at this time of year. Children learn about many different festivals, such as Diwali, which helps them to become confident and proud of their own cultures.

Children particularly enjoy playing outside, where they have lots of space to run around. They enjoy fresh air and develop their physical skills, such as creating and taking part in obstacle races. Children of all ages play football together.

They follow good hygiene routines and take responsibility for their personal care. Children enjoy a variety of healthy and nutritious food at teatime.The provider, manager and staff develop a very good relationship with the host school that all children attend.

The headteacher is extremely supportive of the club. Teaching staff share relevant information, so that staff at the club can fully support children's individual needs. This provides excellent consistency of care for children.

Children say the club is a fun and exciting place to be. Staff build very good partnerships with parents, and their feedback is extremely complimentary. They talk to parents at collection time and pass on messages from the children's class teachers.

Parents describe the staff as 'amazing'. Others comment that staff treat their children with 'lots of kindness, care and companionship'. Many parents say that they 'are lucky to have the club' as it is 'just what working parents need'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider, manager and staff have a secure understanding of child protection issues. They all know the procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child's welfare.

Staff attend regular training to help keep their knowledge up to date. The robust policies and procedures help to underpin their very good safeguarding practice. Staff complete thorough risk assessments to help keep everyone safe at the club.

This includes minimising the risk of COVID-19. Staff meticulously implement the club's safety procedures, such as the arrival and departure of children. They deploy themselves well so that children are safe at all times.

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