Oakwell Childcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy themselves in a safe, fun and relaxed environment. They readily make choices, such as whether they want to play inside or outside, and have immense fun.

Children take part in a wealth of stimulating activities designed to foster their social skills and friendships. For example, older children settle quickly, sharing their ideas of what to create using plastic construction bricks. Younger children enjoy play dough and colouring as they arrive.

Staff follow a play-based approach that incorporates children's interests to meet their individual needs. They successfully build on the knowledge, essential skills and... positive attitudes that children require for successful learning in school and beyond. Children develop a strong sense of belonging through their involvement in activities that take place at the club.

Children are engrossed in activities. They demonstrate high levels of confidence, self-esteem and independence as they lead their own play. For example, they concentrate for extended periods as they connect plastic bricks to create models.

Children behave well as they follow the club rules. They are kind, polite and respectful to one another.

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

Parents praise the after-school club for providing their children with fun and engaging activities.

They state that their children love attending the club. Parents feel comfortable approaching the friendly staff with any support or information they need.Children have access to a large outdoor playground.

Here, they play team games, such as football, and use the large climbing wall, which allows them to manage risk for themselves and develop their physical skills. Children really enjoy the outdoor play and are energetic and keen to take part.Staff plan the play environment to meet the needs and interests of the children.

They provide various activities and spaces for children to explore freely. The children make choices about what they want to do. They use their imagination and creative skills as they pretend to build fairy gardens outdoors.

The children choose various stones and leaves to create their own villages as they invent stories during play. They giggle and laugh, which enhances friendships and expands their social skills.The provider continually monitors and reflects on practice with staff to identify improvements.

Staff attend mandatory training, such as first-aid and safeguarding training. They have also recently completed mental heath training for children, which they have used to help support children's emotional well- being.Partnership collaborating with the host school is good.

The providers support the school. For example, they provide raffle prizes, attend fetes and some combined training. However, staff do not always communicate with the reception teachers well enough to share information about children's day to provide a consistent two-way approach to meet the needs of the children.

The provider works closely with the staff team to ensure that children are welcomed into the club and settle swiftly after their day in school. Good relationships are evident between staff and children, with children actively seeking staff engagement in their games and conversations. Children confidently tell visitors that they love attending the club.

The provider and the staff help children develop healthy lifestyles. They provide fruit and snacks for children after school. Children have daily access to the school's playground for physical activity.

Children routinely wash their hands before eating and follow good hygiene practices.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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