Mapp Centre - Apollo 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 in the club's secure environment.

They enjoy themselves and the opportunity they have to meet up with friends during the school holidays. Children new to the club get to know each other's names as they play a game throwing a soft ball around the circle during a group activity. Staff are good role models.

They develop friendly relationships with the children and enjoy interacting with them. This helps to support children's emotional well-being. Staff have high expectations of good behaviour.

They are quick to help all children understand how to behave appropriately. For example, they get... down to children's level to discuss their behaviour with them in a supportive manner. Children have fun and say they particularly like the art and craft activities on offer.

They enjoy using their imaginations to paint plates and make patterns with loom bands. Children have regular opportunities to be energetic in the outdoor area, such as playing on the large climbing frame and using the scooters and skateboards. Staff implement good hygiene procedures to minimise the spread of infection.

They sanitise areas used by children regularly and help children understand the importance of washing their hands.

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

Since the time of the last inspection, the manager has taken suitable steps to ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to support children's well-being. She has implemented effective systems to make sure there is always a member of staff with a current paediatric first-aid qualification on site.

This supports children's needs in the event of an accident or illness.Children behave well, overall. Staff remind children of the club's rules, when necessary, to help them understand why some of their actions may be inappropriate.

Older children behave well and set a good example for the younger ones.Children develop good relationships with each other. They, generally ,share resources well and appreciate each other's efforts.

They wait their turn patiently during a painting activity and comment positively about each other's work. For instance, they tell their friends that they like the patterns they have made in the paint with the small cars.Children are confident in the club.

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, follow their own interests and are self-assured about managing their personal care needs. Staff value children's views and provide them with regular opportunities to share their ideas.The manager has made changes to the range of activities on offer to give children more choice.

However, she recognises that staff miss opportunities to deepen children's understanding of diversity and life in modern Britain.Staff work effectively in partnership with parents to ensure that meals and snacks are healthy. For example, they ask parents to send fruit, vegetables or yoghurt for snack.

Nonetheless, staff are vigilant about ensuring children's individual dietary needs are met. This was demonstrated well on the day of the inspection, when staff checked with parents before offering children a piece of birthday cake.Lunch is sociable.

Children sit with their friends and enjoy chatting with staff and each other. Staff support their thinking skills and self-esteem well. For example, they praise a young child who thinks of a food that begins with the letter 'J' during a discussion.

This also helps children to practise their speaking skills.Children enjoy the group activities. Staff know them well and know which child may need extra support to take part.

For instance, they help children to listen carefully to the instructions for a game.Parents spoken to during the inspection express their satisfaction with the club. Although they are currently unable to enter the club, they are happy with the steps taken to inform them of their children's care.

Staff have good opportunities for professional development and say they feel well supported. They receive regular supervisions to ensure they have appropriate knowledge and skills to fulfil their roles effectively.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff confidently demonstrate their understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child's welfare is at risk. They know the action to take if they have any concerns, including with regard to wider safeguarding issues. Staff are clear about how to escalate any concerns about adults working in the club.

Staff provide a well-organised environment. They conduct daily checks of the setting to ensure that any hazards are identified and minimised. Children are helped to understand the emergency evacuation procedures and fire exits are kept clear for ease of access.

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