Oldbury Court Out of School Club - Chester Park

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy a good range of activities that interest them, and they are keen to participate. Staff know children well and ensure that activities match the things children like to do and complement what they have been doing at school.

Children socialise well with one another. They form friendships with children of different ages and enjoy engaging in play with the staff. For example, children regularly invite staff to play cards with them and this helps children learn the rules of games and build on their communication skills.

Staff interact with children positively. They are interested in what children have to say and e...ngage in conversations with them about their day at school and things that interest them. Children are extremely complimentary about the staff, and feel safe and secure at the club.

The club staff work well with the staff across the school. They regularly share information and have built established relationships with teachers. In addition, some staff work in the school during the day, which helps them get to know children even better and helps children settle, as they are a familiar face to them.

The atmosphere in the club is calm and children behave well. Leadership is strong, and the manager works well with the staff to ensure they are well supported in their roles.

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

Staff ensure children are safe and this helps children develop a good understanding of safety.

For example, staff encourage children's independence when moving between the indoor and outdoor play areas. They communicate with one another over walkie-talkies to ensure children get swiftly and safely to where they are going.Parents are extremely complimentary about the care their children receive.

They report that staff are 'friendly, approachable and know their children very well'. Parents comment that the club is a fun and safe place for their children to be.Leaders are committed to continuously developing the club.

Leaders work well with staff to continually improve the provision, using their evaluations of what works well and what they could do better. Self-evaluation is strong. Staff are encouraged and supported to develop their careers.

For example, they gain playwork qualifications during their time working at the club.Craft activities capture children's interests particularly well and children show high levels of engagement in these activities. For example, younger children spend up to one hour designing and making animal masks which they go on to play with imaginatively through role play.

Children's safety is paramount. Staff and leaders meticulously plan and risk assess for routines to ensure they have taken all the possible steps to minimise the risk to children. For example, they methodically plan the route to and from the infant school and schedule this walk at a time that is least busy with people and traffic.

This helps them to ensure they move between the infant and junior schools as smoothly and safely as possible.Behaviour is good, children are clear about the rules and they stay within the boundaries staff have set for them. Staff model social skills well and this helps children in their interactions with one another.

For example, during card games, staff model turn taking and being respectful of those who are still learning the rules. This helps children play games harmoniously.Children have good bonds with staff and they are keen to discuss their school and home life with them.

This helps staff get to know the children as individuals and children feel valued. The youngest children receive good support from their key person, who acts as the main person to be there to support the child when they first start.Staff promote healthy lifestyles well.

For example, they give children opportunities to play outdoors in all weathers and engage in active games to let off steam after a day at school. They have access to a good range of activities and equipment that support their physical development, such as climbing apparatus and group games of football. Children eat healthy snacks and are encouraged to try a variety of foods.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Safeguarding is strong. Leaders and staff are aware of their responsibilities to keep children safe, they know how to raise concerns and how to respond should they be worried about the welfare of a child in their care.

Staff regularly receive safeguarding and child protection training which is monitored well by leaders. Staff have a very good understanding of the club's policies and procedures for safeguarding and they implement them well. Staff deploy themselves well and are vigilant when supervising children.

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