MLH Club @ St. John’s

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have lots of fun in this warm and welcoming environment. They shriek with excitement as staff play games with them.

Staff are exceptionally kind and have developed secure relationships with children. For instance, staff comfort children and give them reassurance when they need it. This helps them to feel safe and secure at the club.

The resources and environment are very well organised. Children make clear choices about what they would like to play with after a busy school day. Younger children immerse themselves in making creations with beads.

This stimulates their imagination and supports their motor sk...ills. Older children engage in imaginative play and develop their language and social skills as they excitedly act out baking competitions.Children understand the routines of the club and follow instructions well.

For instance, they know where to place their personal belongings on arrival and line up and wait patiently for their meal at tea time. Children form close friendships with each other and share resources with ease. For example, children offer their friends different coloured pens when they have finished using them.

Staff have high expectations of all children and are positive role models. They show respect as they speak to and listen to children and each other. Children behave exceptionally well.

They are polite and have good manners. For instance, children say, 'thank you' when staff give them resources.

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

The management team are passionate about providing high quality care for children.

They plan a range of exciting and enjoyable activities based upon children's interests. For example, children contribute their ideas through club council meetings. The team use their views when planning activities for them.

This supports children's engagement in activities.Staff clearly enjoy being with children. They engage in meaningful conversations with them, where they listen to their views and opinions.

Children are confident communicators. They sit with their friends and enjoy one another's company as they take part in activities. This helps children to build on their personal, social and emotional skills.

Children learn how to be thoughtful and patient with each other. Staff teach them that everyone is different and that some children may need more help or more time than others and that this is ok. Children bring food made at home into the club, so that they can celebrate what makes them unique.

They also develop their understanding of the wider community through celebrations, such as Diwali, Black History Month and the Platinum Jubilee.Staff understand the importance of promoting children's physical health. They use opportunities for children to be physically active in the fresh air.

For example, children and staff play football and children take turns to hit balls to one another. Children have nutritious home-cooked meals at tea time. Staff encourage children to try different vegetables and talk about the benefits of eating vegetables.

Children learn to become increasingly independent in managing their personal needs. They place crafts made at the club in their book bags, they wash and dry their hands before eating and scrape away leftovers at the end of their meal.The owner and manager support the well-being and professional development of their staff effectively.

They have regular meetings, observe staff's interactions with children and test staff knowledge through the use of questionnaires, so that they can help them improve on their skills. Staff talk positively about the support they receive from the management team.Partnerships with parents are very strong.

They speak highly of staff and say that the care their children receive is 'outstanding'. Parents are particularly happy that children of all ages have opportunities to play together. They say that this has helped their children make new friendships and has supported the development of their social skills and confidence.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The management team and staff attend regular training regarding child protection and receive updates about safeguarding issues. They are able to identify possible signs of abuse, including what action to take if they have any concerns about a child's welfare.

All staff are subject to appropriate checks to ensure they are suitable to work with children. Staff complete daily risk assessments to ensure the premises and resources used by the children are safe. Robust procedures are in place for dropping off and collecting children to ensure their safety.

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