Leckhampton After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The new manager is passionate about her role and strives to give children the best of care. She leads her small team with great determination and demonstrates a very good understanding of the early years foundation stage requirements.

The friendly staff collect children from their classroom. Children beam at them and demonstrate high levels of confidence and emotional security. They talk together with enthusiasm and laughter as they walk through the school to the club's base rooms.

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club. They have good opportunities to be active and engage in a variety of physical activities in t...he school playground, such as playing with flying discs and balls. Inside, children enjoy being creative as they build intricate models out of small bricks and design costumes for a gymnastic show.

Good settling-in procedures help staff get to know children and their families well. Children understand the high expectations for their behaviour. The manager ensures she and her staff constantly model how to behave and children respond, demonstrating exemplary behaviour.

For instance, even young children reply, 'caring is sharing' and 'you're welcome', automatically when thanked for a kind act. All children listen to instructions and respond appropriately to clear guidance. They happily share, take turns and welcome others into their games.

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

The club opened again after a short period of closure due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Parents cannot currently enter the premises. Staff who answer the door tell parents how their children have been.

The manager shares required information through digital messages, social media and telephone calls to ensure continuity of care.Parents are very complimentary about the club. They say, 'the club is the best it has ever been' and that their children 'want to come every day'.

The manager uses regular newsletters, highly regarded by parents, as a helpful source of information to share upcoming special events and any new information regarding the pandemic.Children develop a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. For example, they know the importance of handwashing, nose-blowing and coughing procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

Children recognise that when they have played with an activity it must be sanitised by staff before they can give it to others.Staff promote children's independence as they play. They provide many opportunities for children to help themselves to resources without restricting the amount they use and give them the responsibility of tidying up when they have finished.

Staff extend and motivate children further to inspire imaginative play and widen vocabulary, for instance by asking about the wildlife they might find in the Amazon rainforest. Children respond by talking about 'jaguars and their cubs, sloths' and 'toucans living in the trees'. Later children make elaborate drawings of a jungle.

Partnerships with the host school are excellent. For example, when required, the manager works closely with the school special educational needs coordinator. She ensures she implements effective strategies for children who need additional support, in conjunction with parents and carers, to help them enjoy all aspects of the club.

This helps staff meet all children's individual needs fully.The manager makes thorough evaluations of the service the club provides. She effectively uses feedback from staff, children, parents, and staff at the host school to make changes which benefit children.

For instance, staff regularly ask children for their thoughts and ideas to improve activities at the club, acting on their views and suggestions. The manager has identified the need to further strengthen the children's voice and has plans to set up a children's council.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager and staff have an excellent understanding of safeguarding procedures and what to do to help protect children from harm. They use rigorous risk assessments to ensure children's safety and hygiene throughout their time at the club. The manager continually reviews and updates these effectively to manage any concerns.

Staff deploy themselves effectively to supervise children during their play and to provide them with the support they need. The provider has robust safer recruitment and induction processes to help ensure the continued suitability of staff. The manager regularly monitors staff practice, and all staff attend supervision meetings and online and on-site training to support their professional development.

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