Lask Childcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children know the routines of the club very well.

They greet staff and say 'hello' when they arrive. Children put their belongings away quickly and tell staff about their day at school. They notice what is set out for snack at the table and excitedly tell their friends.

Children talk to each other at snack time. They make healthy wraps, talking about the different food they choose to put inside. They show their friends how to fold the wraps.

Children are encouraged to be independent. Fresh drinking water is available throughout the session and children help themselves to this, as well as fresh fruit. This supports... children to develop a healthy lifestyle.

Children's behaviour is good. They know the rules of the club well. When they start to run in the hall, they quickly remember to walk and they comment that they 'run outside'.

Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They ask staff for help when needed, for example when placing beads onto a board. When engaging in art and craft activities, children are encouraged by staff and display high levels of engagement for sustained periods.

Children are keen to show visitors to the club what they have made.

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

Staff find out about the interests children have at home. They find out about children's likes and dislikes and what activities they enjoy.

This helps the quieter, less confident children to settle quickly at the club. For example, staff identify that children like creative activities. They incorporate using small beads to make pictures into the daily opportunities on offer at the club.

This builds on the experiences children have at home.Older children are kind and caring to the younger children who attend the club. When using craft resources to make cards, they help younger children to squeeze the glue.

Older children hold pieces of card as younger children attempt to cut the card in half to make a flag. They praise younger children for their attempts, saying 'that's amazing!'. Younger children smile and say 'thank you for helping me'.

Staff have strong relationships with the children they care for. They know the children very well. They quickly identify children who are not as settled and support them to engage in activities.

Staff sensitively inform parents if a child has been a little upset or unsure during the session. Many relaxed and natural conversations take place between staff and children throughout the session. Children ask staff to play different card games with them.

They show determination when trying to win against a member of staff.Daily discussions take place between staff and parents when parents drop off or collect their children. Parents say that this handover reassures them as they know what their children have been doing.

They comment that messages from school are always passed on and that communication is good. Parents like the regular newsletter that the manager sends with useful updates.Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well.

Staff know children's individual needs and adapt the provision as needed. They sensitively support children and talk to them about how they are feeling. Children begin to recognise some of their emotions, such as when they are feeling sad or happy.

The manager is reflective about the provision he offers. He recognises what the club does well and what he would like to do next to continue to improve. Staff have regular appraisals with the manager.

He encourages them to reflect and make plans for their ongoing professional development. The manager places a strong emphasis on staff well-being. He talks about the importance of feeling part of a team.

Staff feel able to approach the manager about any questions or concerns they may have.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There are clear procedures in place if staff have safeguarding concerns.

Staff recognise what the signs and symptoms of abuse may be. They take part in regular staff meetings to ensure that their knowledge is always kept updated. Staff complete the local authority safeguarding training as part of their induction before they start at the club.

They know who to report their concerns to, including who to tell if an allegation is made against a member of staff. The required number of staff hold a paediatric first-aid certificate. There is a secure system in place for signing children in and out of the club.

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