Kids Like Us

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the after-school club.

The youngest children greet the staff happily and enthusiastically when they collect them from school and excitedly discuss their day with them. This shows how emotionally secure children feel within the setting.Children show how happy and settled they are in the club.

They make friends easily and children of mixed ages play confidently together. Children's behaviour is excellent. They fully understand the club's simple rules and there are good strategies to help children manage their behaviour themselves.

For example, club staff use a 'red, yellow, gr...een' system which means children quickly understand the implications of their behaviour and can take relevant action to remedy their actions. Children develop a strong awareness of safety and possible hazards. Daily 'safety inspectors' are nominated when two children carry out assessments on the premises with staff to check for any hazards.

Children beam with delight when given this role and take their responsibilities seriously, showing a strong sense of self-confidence.Leaders work tirelessly to make the club an enjoyable, active and happy place for children to be. They constantly reflect on practice, and aim to offer a service of the highest level and cater for every child's unique needs.

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

There is an excellent handover of information between club staff and school staff, ensuring children's needs are always met. For example, school staff reliably inform club staff if a child has had an accident during the school day or if there is relevant information that needs to be passed on to parents. This means children's welfare needs are consistently understood.

Staff actively promote a happy, positive environment within the club and plan activities they know will challenge children and which children have chosen themselves. For example, children frequently suggest ideas about activities, topics and themes they would like to explore and staff respond very positively to these suggestions. Group games mean that children learn to play happily together and they actively celebrate when other children win.

Children's achievements are consistently praised and acknowledged. Children excitedly wait to hear who has been awarded as the weekly 'Top Banana' and beam with pleasure when their positive behaviour and actions are recognised. Other strategies, such as 'Picture of the Week' enable children to strive for excellence and to take pride in their work.

Children develop a real awareness of the needs of others. Older children are kind and respectful of younger children. Club activities also help children to learn about the lifestyles of other children.

For example, the club has successfully linked up with a local charity which supports children living in Africa. This link has helped children learn about different nationalities and how other families live.Topic work also helps children learn about the wider world.

For example, children have been actively celebrating similarities and differences between each other. To develop this further, children have researched information about how different countries celebrate Christmas and this has made children more aware of various cultures and family traditions.All children are welcomed into the club and there is a fully inclusive ethos.

Close working relationships between parents, school and club staff mean strategies to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are always consistent.Parents receive detailed information about the club and the activities it provides for children. Staff offer extensive information each day and termly reports are prepared for the youngest children to help parents see the progress they make.

Staff are highly motivated and well trained. They benefit from an excellent range of training which provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to undertake their role. They praise the support they receive from leaders and demonstrate dedication to keeping children safe and happy.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff supervise children well and are extremely vigilant during the school pick-up and drop-off routine. They fully understand their role in safeguarding children and quickly recognise any changes in children's behaviour.

Any concerns are referred in a timely manner. Leaders work closely with other agencies involved in children's care, when necessary, to make sure all information is shared appropriately. Older children learn the importance of being careful while using social media.

Relevant strategies are in place within the club to make sure children cannot access any information which is inappropriate for their age. Robust recruitment procedures mean that all staff are thoroughly checked to make sure they are safe to work with children. This means children are fully protected at all times.

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