Lets Play (NW) Ltd Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy, animated and excited as they arrive at this high-quality club. They are eager to share what they have been learning at school and embrace their friends with hugs. Staff have high expectations of children and are excellent role models.

Children behave well and know what is expected of them. Children relish opportunities to take on roles, such as club councillor. This provides children with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.

They help staff to make decisions about play equipment and activities. Children respect one another and develop strong friendships.Children spend a lot of time exploring ...outdoors.

Their laughter fills the air as they kick and catch balls. They work together to build dens and play basketball with staff. Younger children show good physical dexterity as they balance on low-level apparatus.

Older children giggle with delight while making 'magic potions' and show good concentration skills while completing board games. Children enjoy singing, dancing and enacting roles of superheroes. When younger children become tired and want to rest, staff are astute to this and help them to make a 'special den' where they can relax.

Children participate in ring games and show good perseverance while playing table tennis. They talk about the importance of keeping safe during their play and follow good hygiene practices.

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

The dedicated manager leads the club with an absolute conviction that all children will succeed and flourish through a personalised play programme.

She is an advocate for playwork and provides children with activities that keep them motivated. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this vibrant club and immerse themselves in deep play.Partnership working is strong.

Links with the host primary school are excellent. Younger children's learning is expertly complemented from school through fun and exciting play experiences. Parents commend staff on their loving and caring nature.

Parents are kept informed of their children's time at the club and receive regular newsletters.Children are provided with excellent opportunities to be physically active. Staff are skilled at promoting children's large-muscle development.

Children are eager to participate in an assault course which tests their physical endurance. Staff provide children with healthy foods and teach them about the importance of healthy living.Staff teach children about the importance of mutual respect, acceptance and tolerance.

Children enjoy learning about other cultures and talk about their first-hand experiences of different family units. They discuss how some children live with two mums, one dad or a grandparent. Children develop positive attitudes towards others and are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Children's personal and social development are given high priority. Care practices are good. Staff spend time getting to know children during the settling-in period and effectively support their physical and emotional well-being.

Children settle quickly, behave well and have high levels of self-esteem.The manager supports her staff team well in reducing their workload and supporting their professional practice. For example, new planning systems mean staff do not spend unnecessary amounts of time completing paperwork and spend more time playing with children.

Staff attend a variety of training programmes, which have a positive impact on outcomes for children. For example, a course around playwork has equipped staff with a greater understanding of how to support children's imaginative play outdoors. Staff attend supervisory sessions and are set realistic targets during appraisal meetings.

Children's communication and language skills are given high priority. Staff engage in meaningful conversations with children and ask them challenging questions. Children are competent communicators who use a wide variety of vocabulary during their play.

Self-evaluation is strong. The views of children, parents and staff are included. Improvement plans are sharply focused and monitored well.

The manager's capacity to continually improve and bring about change is good.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Recruitment and vetting procedures are robust.

Staff have undergone stringent checks to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. Staff have a good understanding of the signs of possible abuse and neglect. They are aware of wider safeguarding issues and know the referral procedure.

Staff understand the whistle-blowing policy and know what steps to take if they are concerned about the conduct of a colleague. Staff ensure children are kept safe while at the club and supervise them with great vigilance. Children are taught about online safety and the safe use of electronic devices.