Kids Club Southport

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children happily take part in the range of activities available to them, both indoors and outdoors. They visibly grow with pride as the caring and experienced staff give them lots of praise and encouragement. Children have lots of opportunities to be physically active.

They talk about how they have learned to ride bicycles and how much they enjoy the trampoline, as they do not have one at home. Children confidently jump and show the new tricks they have been learning. In the garden, children eagerly plant flowers.

As they dig with trowels the staff introduce new words, such as 'mulch', which supports their communication an...d language skills.Staff have high expectations of children and are positive role models. As a result, children show excellent behaviour and conduct overall.

While playing football, they patiently wait turns to have a shot at goal. Everyone, including the very youngest children, jump up and down and cheer as someone scores. Older children regularly support and encourage their younger peers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some children developed anxiety and struggled to return to a normal daily routine. Attending the setting, and having the support of staff, has had a positive impact on their confidence and well-being. Children express that they love to come and look forward to doing the activities and seeing their friends.

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

The manager is extremely reflective and keen to develop the club. She values the views of children, staff and parents to ensure the setting can be the best it can be. Working closely with the local authority the manager ensures a proactive approach to identifying areas for development.

For example, following a recent review, staff made changes to the organisation of the indoor environment and displays. This had a positive impact on all the children whose play is now much more focused and purposeful.Children's voices, ideas and opinions are valued.

For example, children recently requested some outdoor equipment. As a result, the manager has purchased climbing equipment, a trampoline and swing, of the children's choosing, that they can all use. Children express how much better the outdoor area is now they have them.

The setting works closely with the school. Staff who also support the same children in the school's reception class are allocated as their key person. As a result, there is effective information sharing between the setting and school.

This ensures consistency of care for younger children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.Parents and carers are grateful to the manager for claiming government funding that provides free holiday provision for children accessing early years pupil premium. Parents speak of the positive impact this has had on their children's well-being and confidence.

Parents value the staff and the high-quality care that is offered to their children. They state that information sharing is excellent and they receive regular updates about what their children have been enjoying and learning.Children's progress is shared between school and setting to ensure their targets and next steps can be supported at the club.

Parents share information about children's interests and what they enjoy doing at home. This shared information is used to plan activities and experiences for the children that interest them and support their progress.Children are encouraged to take risks and try new things.

For example, children are encouraged to have a go at breaking eggs and measuring out ingredients during a baking activity. They receive lots of support and encouragement from staff. However, during minor instances of children not following the rules in place, not all staff follow the setting's behaviour policy and, occasionally, raise their voice to children unnecessarily.

The holiday club has extended to offer provision to children who do not attend the attached school. This has ensured that more families can access the funding for free holiday care. However, children who are not familiar with the rules and expectations of the school and setting are not always supported to understand these from when they start.

This leads to children unknowingly not following the rules.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.High fencing and a secure entry system with doorbell means that the setting is secure and ensures that children can always play safely in the garden area.

Staff demonstrate a secure understanding of the procedures to keep all children safe. Up-to-date training supports their knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and whistle-blowing procedures. The provider implements appropriate safer recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children.

Also at this postcode