Newton Lang Childcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Managers and staff provide a welcoming club where children from different schools and of different ages play happily together.

Children who come from two other local schools are taught road safety rules as they walk safely to the club with familiar staff. They follow the clear routine, quickly take off their high-visibility jackets on arrival at the host school and join in play. Children choose from a good selection of activities that match their interests and abilities well.

This keeps them motivated and engaged throughout the session and they behave very well. For example, children are keen to make models from recycled b...oxes. Older children kindly help the younger children to use scissors and tape.

They keep trying and are proud of the resulting models, which they decorate with crayons. Children relax after a busy time at school. They sit quietly to draw, read with staff or talk about their day.

Later, children enjoy exploring outside in the school grounds. They benefit from fresh air and exercise as they run, climb along a trim trail or play ball games. Children form good relationships with the enthusiastic and caring staff.

They listen carefully to staff and follow instructions well. Children strengthen their social skills and form new friendships.

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

Staff know the children well and respond quickly to meet their needs.

They support the youngest children to develop their confidence to join in play activities with others. Staff use gentle reassurance and encouragement to help all children feel included. They celebrate milestones for children, such as birthdays.

The club is an environment where every child is valued.Managers and staff join in children's games and activities with energy and show a genuine interest. For example, children enjoy playing a challenging 'pairs' game with staff.

They respond well to encouraging smiles and conversation. Children wait for their turn to pick a card and are excited when they can work out a pair.Managers and staff consistently model kindness and respect for others.

They use the life experiences of the diverse staff team to widen children's understanding of others. For example, children are introduced to foods from other countries and learn about different festivals.Staff listen to children's views and suggestions.

They encourage their involvement in decision making. For instance, staff added brown bread to the teatime menus at children's request. Children ask politely if they need help or additional resources.

For example, children ask for a bead activity. They show great concentration as they make their own pictures and are reluctant to stop when it is time to go home.Staff provide a choice of healthy food for snack and teatime, including fruit and vegetables.

They are fully aware of children's dietary needs and ensure that these are met. Children and staff follow good hygiene procedures, washing hands when needed. However, snack time is not effectively organised to ensure all that children can easily sit to eat when they choose to.

Parents greatly appreciate the convenient childcare and speak highly of the staff. Parents say that their children are happy and learn new skills, such as riding a bicycle without stabilisers. Managers are considering ways to give parents more information about activities their child takes part in.

Managers are experienced and knowledgeable. They are ambitious and want the club to provide the best possible care for the children. Managers carefully consider all aspects of the club and how on-going improvements can be made to benefit the children.

For example, they have improved information sharing with school staff. This helps staff to fully meet children's care needs and to add activities based on the current topics of the different schools.Managers meet regularly with staff to discuss their well-being and areas of their work to develop further.

Staff are encouraged to take up training to continually improve their skills and knowledge. Managers follow a comprehensive induction process to ensure that new staff understand their roles and responsibility to help keep children safe and happy as they play.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Managers give safeguarding a high priority. They check staff's suitability to work with children before they are employed and update the checks at regular intervals. Managers provide training and ask questions to ensure that staff have a good understanding of what to do if concerned about a child or the behaviour of a colleague.

All staff are first-aid trained so that they know how to deal with a medical emergency. Managers and staff supervise children carefully, both indoors and in the school grounds, to help ensure that they play safely. The premises are secure and well maintained.

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