Little Runners

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are excited to come to the club.

They are collected from classes by a warm and friendly staff team. Children show confidence in sharing information with the club staff about their school day, exciting sporting achievements and future holiday plans. Staff know children well, due to the effective partnership working with school staff.

The strong relationships with key club staff show children are happy, confident and emotionally secure in their care.The club is extremely well organised, so children of different age groups have access to a wide range of interesting and exciting experiences. Activities are well differ...entiated to meet the needs of all children.

Younger children have a designated area equipped with age-appropriate activities both inside and outside. Staff follow children's interests and listen to their feedback. Children say they enjoy coming to the club as they get to engage in a range of activities but also have the freedom to choose what they would like to do.

For example, children show excitement in using the range of craft materials on offer to create their own large paper aeroplane. Staff support them by offering them encouragement and promoting problem-solving skills and teamwork.Children behave well and show respect for each other and staff.

They are clear of behaviour expectations and the need to have rules to keep everyone safe. They follow clear instructions, for example for walking inside, lining up and waiting for their turn.

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

There is a range of activities on offer to promote the importance of physically active play.

Younger children enjoy jumping in hoops, climbing over hurdles and balancing on beams. Older children rise to the challenge of a range of team games which include basketball, tag rugby and football. Staff support them well, encouraging children to be confident and resilient and to keep on trying.

Children bring their own snacks to the club and the staff talk to children about the importance of making healthy food choices as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Children have a positive attitude to their play and learning and are fully engaged in the carefully planned activities. Staff are highly motivating, and this is reflected in children's positive behaviour and conduct.

Staff promote a 'you can do it' attitude, which children respond well to. The strong relationships that children have with staff support the respectful, cultural environment.The club is inclusive.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well by staff, with increased adult-to-child ratios where needed. Children enjoy learning about equality and diversity as they celebrate a range of cultural and religious festivals from around the world, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year and St George's Day. Children have opportunities to go on trips out, dress up and engage in a range of arts and crafts.

The club promotes celebrating positive behaviour and providing a culture of openness. Children can earn stickers and certificates, displays showcase their work, and staff provide opportunities for children to talk about their achievements. There is a solution-based approach to supporting children to take turns by using sand timers.

The 'worry box' provides a confidential way for children to seek help from adults as and when they need it.Parents are extremely happy with the club. They say staff are consistent, kind and nurturing.

They report that staff show dedication and plan a range of exciting activities for their children. They are particularly impressed with the importance that staff place on social development and they have seen marked changes in their children's confidence within this area.The experienced management team shows passion for staff training and development.

Staff have regular supervision meetings and are given opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, particularly within the area of sport. More experienced staff mentor and provide internal training, allowing for the upskilling of all staff. The phase leaders for each age group plan with their team to ensure consistency.

The club has a clear vision of continuing to further develop its provision by including parents and children further in its planning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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