Junior Adventures Group @ St Nicolas GU2

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy and sociable. Throughout the session, there is the sound of cheerful chatter and laughter.

Children greet visitors with curiosity and talk about their experiences at the club. They demonstrate independence and eagerly select the games or toys that they want to play with. During the inspection, younger children chose to play with a cornflour mixture.

They explored how it felt and what happened when they used their fingers to make marks. Children showed staff and friends, inviting more children to join them and advising that an apron should be worn for this activity. Children form close relationships with ...the staff, who treat them with kindness and respect.

This helps children to feel valued and welcome. Children's behaviour is good, and they enjoy each other's company. They follow the routines that are in place to keep them safe, such as asking to leave the hall to use the toilet.

Children listen carefully to the staff and understand the rules of the club. For instance, they know that they need to walk indoors and be kind to others. Older children are mindful of the needs of the youngest children.

For example, they kindly involve them in a game, explaining the rules and strategies of where best to place the tokens. Children are very confident and talk easily about their likes and dislikes. For instance, during snack, children talk about the choices of fruit and if they are a healthy option.

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

Managers in the club, and of the company, support staff extremely well. There are clear roles and responsibilities that help to ensure the club runs efficiently and safely. Staff show they are happy and confident in their work.

This helps to provide a high-quality experience for the children.Staff know children's unique personalities well. They are sensitive to children's feelings and recognise when they need support or space to unwind.

Staff pay good attention to children's interests. They plan activities and provide interesting materials and resources for children to explore and be creative with. For example, children concentrate intently as they make delicate jewellery from different beads.

Children describe their time at the club as 'brilliant' and 'fun'. They value the staff, who are 'kind' and 'friendly'. Children recall happy memories about experiences at the club, such as a party with pass the parcel.

They look forward to attending the club after a long day of learning at school. They settle quickly, and clearly feel secure at the club.The manager is dedicated to her role.

She is committed to creating an environment in which children flourish. The manager actively seeks the views of parents and children, and uses these ideas to improve practice. Staff reflect on what children enjoy, and discuss how they can improve their practice, share ideas and make suggestions.

They work well together and act as good role models for the children.Staff establish positive relationships with parents. For instance, staff feed back to parents about their child's time at the club.

The information board is kept up to date with activities and future events at the club. Parents praise the staff's communication and how they work to understand each child's needs. They talk about how much their children enjoy attending the club and how they have fun and often do not want to leave.

Staff support children well to enjoy healthy lifestyles and make sure they can play outdoors if they want to. Children enjoy a selection of healthy snacks, such as ham, crackers, tomatoes and fruit. Staff encourage them to be independent.

However, this can lead to a queue of children waiting to choose their snack, which leads to children becoming bored. Staff remind children about good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and drinking water.Staff have established good working relationships with the host school.

They talk to teachers to exchange key information. Staff find out about children's experiences in school so that they can plan activities that complement children's learning.Children are keen to tell the inspector about their favourite things to do at the club and which toys and resources they like best.

They particularly enjoy the variety of craft and art activities. For instance, children explain how to make paper plate dinosaurs and select which colour of paint for the body.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

A designated manager takes the lead role in ensuring children and staff are safeguarded effectively. She supports staff and ensures they have relevant safeguarding training. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of how to keep children safe and know the procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child.

Recruitment and vetting arrangements are rigorous. This helps to ensure that staff working with children are suitable for their role. The manager completes thorough risk assessments in order to help to ensure the safety of children while attending the club.

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