Kickstart Childcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend at this warm and inviting club.

They eagerly welcome visitors and enthusiastically share ongoing projects with them. For example, children are keen to show the inspector butterflies that they have been caring for. They discuss the different aspects of the butterfly life cycle and relate this to books they have used in their research in school.

Children feel safe and secure in the care of the kind and nurturing staff team. They understand the high expectations that staff have of their behaviour and delight in receiving rewards for their kindness and respect. Children are excepti...onally well behaved.

Older children are very supportive of their younger friends. They welcome younger children into their play and gently support them to make the most of the activities available. Children are encouraged to develop healthy lifestyles.

They spend prolonged lengths of time outdoors. Children play energetically and enjoy the fresh air. They have many opportunities for climbing and space to run around or play ball games.

Staff understand the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had, not only on children but their whole community. They provide a wide range of activities to help to combat social isolation within the community. For example, toddler family groups, a youth club for older children and afternoon tea get-togethers for older members of the community.

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

Staff at the club enjoy exceptionally close bonds with the host school. The headteacher feels that the club is an integral part of school life and remarks that the club is 'firmly at the centre of the community'. Staff regularly consult with teachers in school to ensure that activities provided at the club seamlessly complement what children are being taught in school.

Furthermore, children are encouraged to complete any school homework with the support of staff.Children eagerly settle down to play with the toys and resources set out by staff, as these reflect their interests well. Staff ensure children have the materials and tools they need to complete their chosen task.

They encourage independence but are always close by to offer help if children need it. Children enter into discussions with staff, they talk about their day and enjoy telling jokes as they relax.Children talk positively about their time at the club.

They share how they are able to select their own resources and how they enjoy choosing what they would like to do. They say that the club is 'fun' and that they like spending time with their friends outside, playing games and completing craft activities.The manager and staff work very closely together.

The manager provides a range of professional development opportunities, such as coaching and supervision meetings. Staff constantly review the quality of the service they provide and look for ways in which they can improve even further. They seek the views of parents and children when planning future changes.

Children have opportunities to relax when they attend the club. They choose books and read with each other. Children particularly enjoy the wide range of craft activities available at the club.

They talk together and discuss how to make scented play dough. Staff encourage children to try out their ideas, solve simple problems and talk about what they may try to improve the play dough next time. Children of all ages join in negotiations and decide between themselves what to add next to the mixture.

Parents speak highly about the club and staff. They say that they have peace of mind that children are safe and enjoying themselves at the club. Parents say that when they arrive to collect their children they are always highly engaged in activities and are reluctant to leave until they have finished.

Staff provide good levels of supervision to help keep children safe. They carefully monitor the numbers of children throughout the session. They show a good understanding of where children are playing as they move between indoor and outdoor areas.

Risk assessments are effective. This helps staff to ensure the environment is suitable and that adults are deployed effectively to keep children safe.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have an excellent knowledge of the safeguarding policy and procedures. They understand their role and responsibility in protecting children from harm. Staff can identify signs that suggest a child may be at risk.

They know how to promptly refer any concerns about a child's welfare, both within the school and to the relevant outside agencies. This ensures that children are well protected. Staff receive regular safeguarding training to ensure that their knowledge remains up to date.

There are processes in place to ensure that staff remain suitable to carry out their role. Staff hold appropriate first-aid qualifications. This means they can effectively deal with any accidents should they occur.

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