Little Walkers

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy their time at the club.

They smile as staff meet them from their classrooms and enjoy chatting about their day at school. Children happily choose from the range of resources on offer. They settle quickly to their self- chosen play, be that drawing, playing imaginatively or completing puzzles.

Children behave well. They cooperate quickly with routines, knowing that by doing so they can soon return to their play. For example, children line up quickly to wash their hands, excited to take part in a cooking activity.

Older children are good role models for younger children. They include them in their pla...y very well. Staff understand that some children need extra reassurance to settle and feel secure sometimes, as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Children receive lots of smiles and encouragement from the kind staff. This helps children to quickly feel welcome and part of the club.Children benefit from lots of opportunities to build on their learning from elsewhere.

For example, staff show genuine interest about what they have been doing at school. This provided lots of opportunities for children to engage in worthwhile conversations that extend their language skills well.

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

Staff create a calm and relaxed atmosphere at the club.

They encourage children to keep trying and to do their best. For example, when children are not sure if they can complete a jigsaw, staff suggest they work together to do so. Children smile with pride once the puzzle is completed.

Several staff members also work at the host school. This means they are well placed to know what children have been doing and learning at school. They use this knowledge well to engage children in lots of conversations and to check in regularly with children who may have had a tricky day.

Children feel reassured by the familiar faces.Children are confident to talk to each other and adults. Staff and children talk and laugh together as they play.

Children are interested to find out why the inspector is there and happily explain why they like going to the club. For example, children are excited to talk about the cooked meals they have every day. They explain which are their particular favourites and why.

Staff understand the importance of healthy food, fresh air and exercise to children's good health. Staff cook hot meals for children each day. Many children see this as a highlight of their time at the club.

They also thoroughly enjoy playing outside. They use the large equipment and run about with their friends. They are learning about the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Staff sit with children at mealtimes and encourage them to use cutlery correctly and to be polite. This helps children learn about the importance of good manners and the pleasure of eating with others.Children take part in a range of fun activities that help them learn about their own cultures and those of others.

For example, they try different foods and learn different dances. This helps them gain a positive view of the diverse world in which they live.Parents report that children enjoy going to the club.

Some children show disappointment on days when they are not due to attend. Parents find staff very approachable. Younger children have a member of staff allocated as their key person to help them feel welcome.

However, not all parents are made aware of this role. This means they do not know which member of staff could be best placed to talk to them about any concerns or queries they may have.Staff really enjoy working at the club.

They feel valued and report it is a happy place to work. They have regular opportunities to discuss their role and receive feedback on their performance. This helps maintain a positive working environment and good standards of care for the children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have the knowledge they need to identify and respond to any concerns about children's safety or well-being. Staff understand the signs of potential harm or neglect and know how to share these concerns to keep children safe.

Staff have a secure understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as indicators that a child may be at risk from exposure to extreme views or ideologies. The provider follows robust recruitment procedures to ensure the suitability of those employed to work with children. Staff ensure the premises are safe and secure and closely supervise children to keep them safe.

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