Lindhead 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 and safe at the club. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have focused on expanding outdoor play for the children. This means that children have access to a good range of activities in a safe and healthy environment.

They have fun outdoors and often choose to play tennis or football. Children enjoy running around in the space, playing with hoops and balls. They also have access to various restful areas, including the green spaces around the school.

During the pandemic, the club has not been able to offer the usual settling-in sessions for young children. Nevertheless, staff have very close links with sch...ool and parents. This has helped young children to settle quickly at the club.

They are increasingly confident in the environment and in their relationships with the older children. Children respond well to the warm praise they receive from staff. They play together kindly and have good manners.

They learn to take turns at games with the minimum of adult support. They mostly remember to say please and thank you without being reminded.

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

The premises are clean and tidy.

Children automatically wash their hands when they come into the club from school. This is because they know they will have their snack before the older children arrive. Staff have put measures in place to minimise unnecessary contact with other year groups.

This promotes young children's good health as it reduces the likelihood of cross-infection.Children mostly enjoy the snacks. Several children say that they like a slice of toast in the morning even when they have already had breakfast at home.

After school, children can choose from a range of fresh fruits. Due to COVID-19, staff have streamlined the arrangements for snack to minimise cross-contamination. This has meant that choices are more limited.

Children said that they have enjoyed chicken wraps recently. However, on the day of inspection, their options were limited to jam or lemon curd to have on their bread. This does not help to discourage a sweet tooth.

Children are fully engaged in meaningful activities throughout the session. They often absorb themselves for a long time at a chosen activity. For example, they use their imagination as they play with the castle, knights and dragons.

They particularly enjoy playing with their older friends or siblings.Children help themselves to what they want to do. They confidently go to find their favourite board games or craft materials.

Sometimes, they enjoy games that complement what they are learning in school. For example, staff help them to play scrabble with the older children. This helps them to practise their knowledge of letters and sounds.

Staff have close links with school; this enables them to mirror school projects. For example, they provide craft materials and candles when they know that children have been learning about Diwali in school.Parents are pleased because their children really enjoy coming to the club.

They appreciate the staff's flexibility in meeting their needs. Several parents said that the club's approach to outdoor play is definitely a strength.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have used quieter periods during the pandemic to extend their training. The range of additional courses complement the required safeguarding and paediatric first-aid training. Staff complete the required training regularly.

Staff understand what behaviours and physical signs might suggest children are at risk of harm. They understand the procedures to follow if they are concerned about children's welfare. Staff are very attentive and sensitive to children's behaviours.

They notice immediately when children's mood or behaviour is a little different and they are very caring. Children understand and follow rules for using the outdoor equipment. This means that they know how to keep themselves safe when playing, for example, on the climbing equipment.

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