Little Pixies Before and After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enthusiastically anticipate the opportunity to relax and unwind with their friends, and staff when they arrive at the club. They have formed close attachments with the staff, who are attentive and prioritise children's well-being.

Children behave well and show high levels of respect for their friends, staff and visitors. They understand the club's rules and explain how they must be kind, share, and look after friends if they fall over and hurt themselves. Conversation flows easily between staff and children as they talk about their day at school and their interests.

Children talk excitedly to each other as they cr...eate using play dough. They explain what they are making and what tools, and resources they will need. Staff encourage children to use descriptive language to talk about the textures and the effects created as the different colours of play dough become mixed together.

Children use their physical skills as they shape the dough with various tools, such as rollers and cutters.Children benefit from opportunities to be physically active. They enjoy energetic ball games and access a variety of climbing equipment.

Children are aware of potential risks and remind their friends that they should only go on equipment one at a time, so that it doesn't break.

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

Leaders have taken effective measures to address the actions raised at the last inspection. Staff receive regular supervision and are well trained to understand their roles and responsibilities to keep children safe.

Leaders complete effective self-evaluation and are proactive in identifying aspects of the club to further improve. They welcome the views of children, staff and parents as part of this progress.Leaders work closely with the school to help meet the needs of the families who use the services that the club provides.

They liaise with teachers to find out about what children are learning about in school, so they can complement this during the time that children spend at the club.An effective key-person system is in place to ensure that children's needs are met well and to develop positive relationships with staff. Staff have a thorough understanding of the children who attend and how they can encourage them to enjoy the time they spend at the club.

Leaders gather comprehensive information about children when they join the club to ensure that they can meet their health needs and well-being. This includes information about dietary requirements and health needs.Parent partnerships are strong.

Parents speak highly about the service provided. They explain how staff are professional, approachable and really understand the needs of their children. Staff keep parents well informed about events and changes at the club.

Staff provide opportunities for children to read and use their writing skills. Children access a variety of board games that encourage them to use their mathematical knowledge and to develop their social skills.Children thoroughly enjoy the opportunities provided to be creative and staff respond well to children's play interests.

Children create stories about animals and act out these using animal props. They are fully motivated and engaged in their play.Overall, staff support children's health well and implement good hygiene routines.

Children know that they wash their hands when they arrive at the club in readiness for eating snack. They have access to drinking water. Staff provide some nutritious snacks for children to choose from.

However, they are not fully proactive in encouraging children to make healthier food choices.Leaders ensure that staff provide an inclusive environment and encourage all children to develop a sense of belonging. Children find out about the wide range of countries where their families live, such as significant geographical features and the languages spoken.

Children have access to books in their home languages. Leaders and staff help children to learn about the needs of other children in the world, such as those who do not have access to water in their homes.Staff support children to be emotionally secure at the club and gain confidence in their own abilities.

Children are keen to showcase what they have made and show pride in these. They ask staff to take photographs of their designs. Staff encourage children to voice their opinions, to talk about how they are feeling and resolve any differences they may have.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Leaders take effective measures to ensure that all staff are well trained and understand the club's safeguarding policy and procedures. New staff receive a thorough induction.

Leaders conduct safeguarding audits and review their policies regularly to ensure that these are up to date. All staff can confidently discuss a wide range of signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They understand about the 'Prevent' duty and signs of extremist views and behaviour.

Leaders and staff understand how to report concerns about a child, including managing an allegation about a member of staff. Leaders and staff complete meticulous risk assessment to minimise hazards to children. Staff help children to learn about keeping themselves and others safe and include them in completing the risk assessments of the premises they use.