Kidzone

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive at the club and are greeted with warmth and kindness by friendly, approachable staff.

They wave to their friends and sit closely with them on the carpet. Children are sociable and invite their friends to play with them. Children make 'stretchy dough'.

They work cooperatively to mix flour, water and paint. Older children help younger children knead the dough. They offer advice and say, 'Put both hands in the bowl'.

Children find their favourite construction sets. They busy themselves making vehicles and trailers. They adapt their design as they build, listening to each other's ideas.

Childr...en relax and unwind on snuggly sofas and cushions. They read books and chat about the plot and characters. They draw detailed pictures and proudly show staff their creations.

Children show that they feel happy and secure at the club. They talk about being excited to see their friends and participate in 'fun activities'. They explain staff are 'like friends'.

Children approach staff for hugs. Younger children seek out staff for reassurance and comfort. Children listen carefully to staff and understand the rules of the club.

They explain they need to 'use kind words' and 'treat people and equipment with respect'.

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

Staff involve children in decision-making and club routines. For example, children help to take daily registers.

They vote on which group games they want to play. Recently, children had shared their ideas of how to enhance outdoor spaces. This helps children feel involved and valued.

Children's behaviour is good. They help to tidy away toys and wash their pots at snack times. Older children look after younger children.

For example, they show concern when younger children fall over. They ask 'Are you okay?' and embrace them affectionately. Staff are good role models.

They are skilled in helping children develop negotiation skills. This supports children's positive behaviour.Children enjoy spending time in outside play areas.

They develop stamina as they play chasing games. They use their home experiences of playing video games to help them decide the rules. Children organise systems for choosing who is the 'imposter'.

For example, they agree to draw names out of a container.Children are kept safe at the club. Staff are vigilant and undertake regular head counts.

They communicate with each other about children's ongoing needs. Staff are quick to notice when children appear hungry or upset. They serve healthy snacks and administer first aid promptly.

Staff make regular checks of the premises to ensure they are clean and suitable for children.Staff provide children with plenty of time to play. They do not interrupt them unnecessarily and they give them time to finish their games and projects.

Children enjoy making creative models over several days. Staff respect children's creations and are careful to store them out of reach to ensure they are not damaged.Children are happy and enjoy spending time at the club.

They eagerly become involved in group drawing games. They organise themselves into teams and remind each other of the rules. Older children help younger children to understand how to play.

Younger children take a keen role in keeping the score. They explain, 'I have made my own chart.' Parents praise the club.

They explain how vital it is to their children and say they 'could not ask for more'. They say the club is welcoming for their children and provides a good range of interesting activities. Parents say communication is 'excellent' and they are kept fully informed.

The manager provides strong leadership and is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service to parents and children. She ensures staff are listened to and receive regular support meetings. As a result, staff feel valued and respected.

They say they love working at the club.The club has a good working relationship with its host school. The manager remains focused on finding ways to strengthen this further.

For example, staff are developing improved systems for handovers.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a strong understanding of safeguarding.

They know how to identify the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They know the procedure to follow to raise concerns about a child or to report the behaviour of an adult. Staff show an awareness of wider safeguarding issues, such as radicalisation and female genital mutilation.

Staff update their knowledge through training, which is refreshed regularly. This contributes to their robust knowledge and practice. Leaders have secure recruitment and induction procedures in place to help ensure staff are suitable to work with children.

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