Ok Mum Altrincham

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.

They understand their own feelings and emotions as they enjoy reading stories about positive values and how to make friends. Children benefit from good relationships with adults, who listen to them and engage in meaningful conversations. For example, staff show an interest in children's artwork, which encourages children to talk about their pictures.

Children enjoy the vast range of experiences on offer. For instance, older children initiate games of table football and younger children participate in role play. Children build friendships and enjoy each other's company.

Chil...dren behave well because staff set clear boundaries about what they expect and have high expectations for every child. Children are able to resolve conflicts because staff reinforce behaviour expectations during children's time in the club. When disagreements do occur, children are given time to reflect upon the situation and think about how their actions affect others.

Therefore, children get along together and have positive attitudes to learning. The individual needs of children are met because staff pay attention to their distinctive qualities. Children are self-assured, as staff provide them with praise and encouragement.

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

Children settle well when they first start to attend. Staff take time to get to know individual children and carefully plan their transition into the club. As a result, children are happy as they know what to expect.

Children play in a well-planned environment that offers a good range of learning and development opportunities. Consequently, children are confident in making choices about the things they want to do and are engaged in their play.Staff encourage children to take personal responsibility for their belongings.

For example, they support children to carry their own possessions and to hang them up and store them correctly. Therefore, children demonstrate competence in being independent.Children are offered healthy food, such as access to fresh salad every day.

They make choices about what they want to eat. For instance, when they return from school, staff ask each child what they would like on their sandwiches. As a result, children try a range of foods and have a nutritious diet while at the club.

Staff build strong relationships with other settings children attend. For example, staff support children to undertake their homework from school in the club and they talk about the topics they are covering. This helps to provide a consistent approach for children.

The owner and manager reflect on the provision offered at the club and identify ways to make improvements. For example, they observe places where children like to play and areas that are not used. They adapt the environment to suit children's needs.

Consequently, children follow their interests and participate in play for extended periods of time.Children have good opportunities for fresh air and physical exercise. For instance, they use the local park daily on their walk back from school.

This supports children to engage in healthy lifestyles.Staff have established effective partnerships with parents. Parents comment that staff are 'caring and kind' and it feels 'like a big family'.

The well-established methods of communication support children to have a sense of belonging and security within the club.Staff understand their roles and responsibilities because there is a clear induction process, and a wealth of information is shared. Managers support staff to undertake training, so that they improve their knowledge of how to support children.

For example, staff have undertaken training in communication with children and understanding child development. This has helped to improve their interactions with children.Children follow hygienic procedures.

For example, they wash their hands before eating their tea. This instils a routine of cleanliness.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have undertaken safeguarding training and demonstrate that they have a secure knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. For example, staff have learned about radicalisation and female genital mutilation. This helps staff to be alert to any potential concerns that might arise in relation to the children they care for.

Staff know what to do if any concerns arise about a child they care for or another adult working at the setting. This helps to keep children safe. Staff create a safe environment for children to play in, reducing any potential risks.