Limitless Kids After School Club (Haresfield)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy and settled in this comfortable and welcoming club. They form strong emotional bonds with the staff, who know the children and their families well. Children arrive eager to see what is on offer deciding for themselves what to engage with indoors and outside.

Staff play with the children sharing and taking turns, ensuring that all children are included if they wish to be. Children are energetic and enjoy plenty of time outdoors. Outside there is an area cordoned off so those that wish to can play on the large climbing equipment.

Other children ride scooters and wheeled vehicles, developing their balance a...nd speed. Inside children concentrate on artwork for Valentine's Day, and conclude the activity by giving the manager a 'valentine card with love.' Younger children had great fun using dolls, pushchairs and clothes in pretend play.

Staff talked to them during their play and helped extend their vocabulary and social skills. Children's good health, hygiene and physical exercise are promoted well. Children benefit from a healthy, light tea where children eat toast and a selection of healthy spreads.

Staff engage in conversation with children about their good health, such as drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated. Older children show consideration for younger children. For instance, they help them use a tricky pump on the antibacterial gel everyone must use before they eat.

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

The very caring staff are well qualified, experienced and knowledgeable. They maintain an inclusive environment and genuinely care about children's experiences during their time spent at the club. Staff offer activities that appeal to children's interests and which engage them well in their play after a busy school day.

Children freely explore and make choices from the wide range of resources and activities available. They have access to a comfortable area, where they can sit, relax and look at books.Children of all ages behave very well and play harmoniously together.

Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and role model this well by setting clear rules and boundaries. Staff gently remind children to use their manners and thank them when they spontaneously say, 'thank you'. They give children praise and encouragement and celebrate their achievements.

The manager ensures that each child has a dedicated key person. This ensures the youngest children's emotional needs are very well supported when they first start, and during their time at the club. Staff gain in-depth information about the children's interests and what they already know and can do to help them settle quickly.

Staff have strong links with the host school. Daily conversations with teaching staff promote a consistent approach in children's care and learning. For example, during activities and board games, staff encourage older children's calculation skills and build on younger children's recognition of numerals and letters sounds.

Staff encourage children to understand the importance of following the well-established routines. When they arrive in the club, children independently put their coats and bags away and report their attendance. This helps children develop their confidence in social situations and contributes to their own well-being.

Children choose where and who they sit and eat with, and chat between themselves. However, although snack times are sociable events, there are missed opportunities for children to develop their independence skills.Staff maintain very good partnerships with parents, helping to provide continuity of care.

Parents report that their children enjoy their time at the club and that staff are very caring and approachable.Leaders have high expectations for staff and children and are starting to evaluate, reflect and plan changes to benefit the children. For example, they have established a children's club council who meet regularly to suggest ideas for themes and extra resources.

Children recently requested more of their favourite building bricks to enable more children to be creative at the same time.The provider's recruitment arrangements ensure the suitability of staff to work with children. The manager supports staff to continuously develop their knowledge and skills, effectively monitor their work and support their good practice.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider, manager and staff have a confident understanding of child protection. They are aware of the possible indicators that suggest a child might be at risk of harm and know what to do if they have any concerns about children's welfare.

All staff complete regular safeguarding training to keep up to date with changes. Staff ensure the premises are secure and complete thorough risk assessments to promote children's safety. They consider potential risks, such as fire hazards, and minimise them wherever possible.

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