Mytime Active – Kent House After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children appear to enjoy their time at the club and demonstrate that they feel happy, safe and secure. The kind and approachable staff help children to understand the routine and plan a good range of activities that complement their learning at school. Staff are positive role models for the children and help them to learn about expected behaviour and the boundaries of the setting.

Children contribute to devising the club rules and staff gently remind children about these at times throughout the session. As a result, children show good behaviour and engage well in the different activities. Children also show kindness towards others,... listen well to their peers and play collaboratively.

Children show good interest as they participate in a painting sunflowers activity. Staff talk to the children about the different flower parts, such as stem, leaves and petals, and talk to them about their prior knowledge of sunflowers. This helps to support children's creativity and understanding of the world.

Children also have fun making play dough. Staff encourage the children to name the different ingredients and to make predictions about what will happen next. Younger children show good engagement as they decorate art folders.

Staff have conversations with the children to gain insight into their interests.

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

Staff provide an inclusive service and make adaptions to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They understand the importance of working with parents and other professionals to provide continuity in care.

The club staff form positive relationships with the link school's leadership team and staff. For instance, they follow the same topics and themes, learn about the same cultural festivals and attend safeguarding training together. This helps to deliver good levels of consistency across both settings.

Children have good opportunities to play outdoors and develop their physical skills. For instance, they play football, basketball and hockey. This helps them to be active and improves their overall physical skills and well-being.

Staff provide a good range of healthy, light meals. They also have frequent discussions with the children about making good food choices and eating a wide variety of fresh and nutritious foods. This contributes to their overall health in a positive way.

Staff form respectful relationships with children. They are caring and encouraging during their interactions. This supports children to develop good self-esteem and settle well at the club.

There is a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities on offer. As well as engaging in structured experiences, children can also freely choose activities that help them to relax. This is apparent as children deeply engage in drawing activities, play tabletop pool and enjoy construction activities.

This contributes to a busy, productive atmosphere at the club.Parents express that they are happy with the after-school club. They comment on how staff are friendly and kind and their children are happy to attend.

Children express that they enjoy attending the club and like the staff and activities. However, some older children comment on how they would like a wider variety of activities throughout the week.Staff demonstrate good commitment to keeping their professional development up to date.

For instance, they engage in a range of training sessions in relation to food hygiene, promoting positive behaviour and creating a COVID-19 safe environment. This helps staff to have current knowledge and contributes to the professional running of the club.Staff include the views of parents, children and other professionals in their evaluation of the setting.

For example, they encourage parents and children to make suggestions about new menu ideas and activities. However, staff do not always fully review the effectiveness of the evaluation system, particularly in relation to ensuring that children's views and ideas are implemented swiftly.Children have good opportunities to learn about diversity.

For instance, staff teach children about the lives of others that are different to their own and learn about a range of cultural events. This helps to broaden children's understanding of how culturally diverse their community and the wider world is.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and staff engage in regular safeguarding training. They are able to identify possible signs that may indicate a child is being neglected or harmed. They understand their role in reporting any safeguarding concerns and the importance of working closely with the link school and other safeguarding professionals to help protect children from harm.

Staff complete daily risk assessments to ensure that the premises, activities and resources are safe and suitable. Furthermore, all staff hold valid paediatric first-aid training. This means that they are well equipped to respond to a medical emergency if one was to occur.

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