Kickstart Childcare (Waterloo)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff have created a welcoming environment that nurtures children's enjoyment and current interests. Children arrive from their classrooms with big smiles. Staff have built positive relationships with the children.

They are nurturing and intuitive to children's needs. For example, when children become upset, staff provide reassuring cuddles. This supports children to feel safe and secure.

Staff work closely with the school teachers and provide exciting opportunities for children to build on the skills they have been developing in school. For example, children join in with experiments by mixing vinegar and bicarbonate of so...da together. Children are eager to join in with 'science week' at the club.

They show good levels of engagement as they discuss what might happen as they mix the materials together. This enhances children's critical thinking skills. Children are curious and investigative learners.

Staff are positive role models to children. They provide clear routines and gently discuss the key rules of the club with the children. For example, they remind children about walking inside to keep themselves safe.

In addition, staff offer children an abundance of praise to recognise their achievements. Staff have a 'merit sticker' reward system to promote positive behaviour. This boosts children's self-esteem.

Children behave very well. They help with tidy-up time and share their resources with each other. Children are respectful towards their friends and their environment.

Staff place high value on children's views and opinions. Children discuss what they enjoy playing with at the club. This informs the club's planning and encourages children to choose activities they would like to engage in.

Children feel valued at this club.

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

Staff support children's interests well. For example, they help children to set up a library in the outdoor area.

Children pretend to be librarians. They make their own library cards and opening time sheets for their friends to come along and read books. Children select and explore their favourite books as they turn the pages.

They develop a love for reading and stories at the club.The club is child-centred and all children thrive. Children lead their own play.

For example, they decide to make a 'ship' with the construction bricks. Children discuss which pieces they need for the different areas of the ship. They talk to each other about the attributes of the characters on the ship.

Staff are close by to support children and offer them encouragement. This helps to build children's self-confidence in their play.Staff help children to learn different ways to live healthy lifestyles.

Children wash their hands regularly and understand the importance of this. Staff ensure that all allergies and dietary requirements are catered for. Children help to self-serve their own nutritious snack and are offered a variety of choice.

Snack times are used as a social time. Children engage in back-and-forth conversations with each other. This develops their communication skills.

Leaders support the staff team well. For example, they provide regular coaching and mentoring through effective regular supervision. Staff have completed mandatory training, such as safeguarding and paediatric first aid.

This keeps their knowledge up to date. In addition, staff have extended their skills through further training opportunities. For example, recent anaphylaxis training has contributed to staff developing their understanding of allergies and ensures they meet children's individual needs.

Staff provide opportunities to develop children's understanding of different celebrations and cultures. For example, children confidently share their own experiences about their home countries, such as Poland. Children develop a real sense of belonging.

Furthermore, children have recently learnt about Ramadan. These opportunities positively help children to learn about different places, countries and cultures beyond what they know.Partnerships with parents and the host school are secure.

Parents feel that the communication from staff is effective, and they are kept up to date on their child's day. Staff work closely with the host school and parents to gather information about children's individual needs and interests. This helps to maintain consistency in supporting children's development.

Children have ample opportunity to play outdoors, where they develop their physical skills. Children show good spatial awareness as they move in different ways. They set up their own obstacle courses and practise balancing and jumping.

This helps to develop children's large-muscle movements and core strength.

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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